Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy recently introduced Lieutenant Colonel James Baehr as President Trump's nominee for General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing. Baehr hails from New Orleans, Louisiana, and is currently serving as a military judge in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and on the Louisiana Veterans Affairs Commission.

"James is known for his passion for service," stated Senator Cassidy. "He has been a tireless advocate for Louisiana’s veterans." Cassidy expressed confidence in Baehr’s ability to bring "legal excellence, integrity, and a mission-first mindset" to the role, emphasizing that Baehr would prioritize the needs of veterans in his decisions.

Lieutenant Colonel Baehr has an extensive military career, having served as a defense counsel and a Civil Affairs officer in the Marine Corps for nearly 20 years. He was deployed during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, serving under Lt. General Paul Funk, where he earned accolades for his leadership and strategic insight. General Funk praised Baehr’s leadership, stating, "This great Marine officer did what Marines do, he added clarity to chaos, and competence where calamity once prevailed."

Off the field, Baehr has experience prosecuting violent crimes and civil corruption as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Louisiana. He also worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit and advised President Trump on veterans' issues as a Special Assistant during Trump's first term, focusing on health care access and suicide prevention measures.

Baehr is also personally familiar with veterans' issues, having received care at the New Orleans VA Medical Center, utilized a VA home loan, and transferred his GI Bill benefits to his son. Senator Cassidy underscored the importance of strong leadership at the VA and reiterated his full support for Baehr’s nomination.

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