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38 U.S.C. 304: Deputy Secretary of Veterans AffairsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 38-VETERANS’ BENEFITSCHAPTER 3-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
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§304. Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

There is in the Department a Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Secretary shall perform such functions as the Secretary shall prescribe. Unless the President designates another officer of the Government, the Deputy Secretary shall be Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs during the absence or disability of the Secretary or in the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary.

(Added Pub. L. 102–83, § 2(a) , Aug. 6, 1991 , 105 Stat. 379 .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 210(d) of this title and in section 3(a) of Pub. L. 100–527, known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Act, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–83, §§ 2(a), 3(3).

Executive Documents

Order of Succession

For order of succession during any period when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs are unable to perform functions and duties of office of Secretary, see Ex. Ord. No. 13247, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66271, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.