Duckworth confirmed to federal post

Former Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth has won final confirmation to become the face of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Duckworth, of Hoffman Estates, a wounded veteran of the Iraq war, was appointed assistant secretary of public and intergovernmental affairs for the VA last fall by President Barack Obama, but her confirmation had been delayed by procedures. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin made the announcement late Wednesday that she had won Senate confirmation, the final step in the approval process. As assistant secretary, Duckworth will direct the VA's public affairs, internal communications and intergovernmental relations and oversee other programs. "President Obama and America's veterans now have Tammy Duckworth as their advocate and champion," Durbin said in a statement. "I know Tammy will bring the same level of commitment to the VA that she has shown in fighting for her country and representing Illinois veterans."