It Takes a Commission to Find an Undersecretary

The Veterans Affairs Department is looking for a new undersecretary for benefits. But VA officials can't pick just anybody. By law, VA Secretary James B. Peake must appoint a commission to come up with a slate of non-political candidates for the position. Their names are then forwarded to the president, along with any recommendations the VA chief himself has.

The 10-member commission will be led by VA Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield.

The new undersecretary will replace retired Navy Vice Adm. Daniel L. Cooper, who announced his resignation as undersecretary for benefits recently after six years on the job. That's longer than any previous holder of the position.