FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 16, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, DC -Yesterday, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) blocked four top Department of Veterans Affairs nominees from being confirmed when Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) sought a final floor vote. IAVA condemns these efforts and urges the Senate to approve these VA leaders quickly for the sake of veterans.

“It is irresponsible and harmful to our nation’s veterans for anyone to prevent these nominees from being confirmed,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “Our country has faced so much over the past year and to prevent the organization charged with caring for our country’s heroes these crucial leadership positions is disrespectful to their sacrifices.”  

Blackburn’s moves to prevent the confirmation come from her perceived lack of response by the VA over pending toxic exposure legislation, although the Department has pledged to the Committee to provide the information next month. The positions held up include the second-highest position within VA, the Deputy Secretary. As America is attempting to emerge from a deadly pandemic, there is no more critical time to provide VA with both the personnel and resources to succeed and not hamstring them unnecessarily. 

The Senate must quickly approve these nominations and get on with the business of helping veterans, like those with toxic exposures, who have been waiting too long for healthcare and benefits.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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