Tester Votes to Advance VA Deputy Secretary Nominee

Senator sends nominee James Byrne to full Senate vote; stresses accountability

(U.S. Senate) – Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Jon Tester today voted to advance James Byrne, President Trump’s nominee to be VA Deputy Secretary, for consideration by the full Senate.

“Our veterans deserve VA leadership that is fully committed to serving them and their families,” Ranking Member Tester said. “Mr. Byrne’s service has demonstrated his ability to serve as second-in-command at VA, and I trust that he would honor the Department’s important mission and its core values. If he is confirmed, I will continue to hold Mr. Byrne accountable on behalf of veterans in Montana and across the country.”

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted 13-4 to advance Byrne’s nomination, which now heads to the Senate floor.

Byrne was nominated for the second-highest leadership position at the VA on April 8. He has served as VA general counsel since August 2017 and was appointed Acting Deputy Secretary in August 2018.

Tester has supported each of the 18 nominees who have come before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to serve veterans at the VA, Department of Labor, and as judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.