The Honorable Togo D. West, Jr., was sworn in as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by the Vice President on May 5, 1998, after having served since January 2, 1998, as Acting Secretary at the direction of President Clinton. Secretary West directed the federal government's second largest department, responsible for a nationwide system of health care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries for America's veterans and dependents.
 
Prior to that, in November 1993, Secretary West had been appointed by the President as Secretary of the Army, where he served until selected for his current position. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Commission, a U.S. government entity with a binational board appointed by the President.