Johnny Isakson: “today I am proud to recognize in the Record the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, Principal Deputy Assistant…”

“today I am proud to recognize in the Record the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, OCLA, Christopher E. O'Connor, in honor of his upcoming retirement. Mr. O'Connor recently received the VA's Exceptional Service Award for his long record of service to our Nation's veterans. Mr. O'Connor has advised four VA Secretaries, four acting VA Secretaries, and their legislative teams as they have worked with Congress to make a stronger and more effective department for America's veterans. He has provided continuity in the Department's communication with Congress during the shift of executive administrations. Most recently, Mr. O'Connor worked with our committee on the VA MISSION Act, which is a major reform in veterans' healthcare. He also helped inform Members of Congress about the need to modernize the department's antiquated electronic health records system, and he played a key role as the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act made its way through Congress. Under his leadership, Mr. O'Connor and his team prepared VA's senior leaders to successfully participate in more than 400 congressional hearings. Their office also coordinated thousands of informational briefings to Members of Congress, committee staff, and personal staff that advanced VA's message and priorities. Upon his upcoming retirement, Mr. O'Connor leaves the Department with an important legacy.…”