WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs today unanimously approved the nomination of  Thomas Harvey to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Mr. Harvey was nominated for the same position in the last Congress and his nomination was approved by the Committee on July 31, 2006.  However, the full Senate was prevented from voting on the nomination before Congress adjourned in December.  Mr..Harvey was renominated on January 9, 2007, by President Bush.  Chairman Akaka has pledged to push for swift action by the full Senate on his nomination. 

"I am pleased the Committee again approved the nomination of Tom Harvey.  Tom has had a long and successful career as a veterans' advocate, both with the Committee and at VA.  I have seen his interactions with Congress and I believe his expertise and experience will prove invaluable to VA and the Congress," Akaka said.

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