U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued a statement following the Senate’s confirmation of Air Force Reserve Major General John Bartrum as Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration.
“I congratulate Mr. Bartrum on his confirmation to be VA’s next Under Secretary for Health,” said Sen. Moran. “I appreciate the commitments that he made during the nomination process to prioritize expanding access and choice throughout the VA healthcare system and to being transparent and communicative with Congress and America’s veterans. I look forward to working closely with him and Secretary Collins to improve the health of veterans in Kansas and across the country.”
Major General Bartrum is a combat veteran who has served more than 40 years in both active duty and reserve military roles. He currently acts as Mobilization Assistant to the Air and Space Force Surgeon General and as Senior Advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins. During his testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Bartrum spoke about how his previous leadership positions, including managing policy and funding for agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control, will guide his work as Under Secretary for Health.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee oversees programs related to veterans’ benefits, health care, and support services in collaboration with federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs. Established in 1970, it advances legislation aimed at improving access to health care and benefits for veterans across the United States.
The committee has contributed significantly by enhancing access to VA health care services and supporting veterans’ transitions into civilian life (source). Its jurisdiction includes legislative oversight over programs affecting veterans nationwide (source), working closely with organizations dedicated to serving those who have served.
