[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 26, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Confirmation of Joshua David Jacobs

  Mr. TESTER. Madam President, last summer this body delivered on a 
promise to our toxic-exposed veterans. We passed a bill called the SFC 
Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act.
  With a historic number of veterans newly eligible for long-overdue 
benefits, the VA needs a steady, accountable hand to lead VA benefits 
and its more than 25,000 employees in delivering quality, timely 
benefits now more than ever.
  About an hour and a half ago, we confirmed a person by the name of 
Josh Jacobs. He is that person who is going to be heading up VA 
benefits. He is that person with the steady hand. I am glad that this 
body came together in a bipartisan way to make him the permanent leader 
of the VBA.
  The fact is, having a permanent leader in this role ensures that we 
can hold the VA accountable to their job, and that is critically 
important. I can't be prouder of this body to tell you that we have a 
person who not only understands benefits but has worked in this 
capacity for the past several months.
  With that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. TESTER. Madam President, I want to thank you for the recognition.
  I would like to speak for 4 minutes, max.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.