The Honorable Don Bergin was appointed Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs in 2025. In this role, he leads the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA), serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries on all matters involving congressional and legislative affairs. He oversees the Department’s engagement with Congress, ensuring timely, effective, and transparent communication with Members and Committees of jurisdiction.
The Honorable Don Bergin brings more than two decades of distinguished experience in national security, legislative strategy, and public service. Prior to his appointment, he served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where he provided strategic counsel on congressional engagement and legislative priorities. His extensive Capitol Hill career includes serving as National Security Counsel to the Senate Majority Whip, Senator John Cornyn, and as National Security Counsel to both Senator Rob Portman and Representative Michael Turner.
A Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, The Honorable Don Bergin served as an infantry officer and completed three combat deployments in Iraq. He later served as a Congressional Liaison in the USMC Office of Legislative Affairs, where he strengthened the Department of Defense’s relationship with Congress through collaboration and effective communication.
He holds a Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an Associate Member of the Virginia State Bar.
The Honorable Don Bergin resides in Vienna, Virginia, with his wife, Grace, and their sons, Donnie and Patrick.
CAREER CHRONOLOGY:
2025 – Present Assistant Secretary for Congressional & Legislative Affairs, Washington, DC
2025 – 2025 Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Washington, DC
2020 – 2025 Director for Legislative Affairs at BAE Systems Inc, Falls Church, VA
2017 – 2020 National Security Counsel, Senate Majority Whip, Senator Cornyn, Washington, DC
2015 – 2016 National Security Counsel, Senator Rob Portman, Washington, DC
2014 – 2015 North Highland Company, Senior Consultant, Charlotte, NC
2010 – 2013 National Security Counsel, Rep Michael Turner, Washington, DC
2007 – 2010 Congressional Liaison, USMC Office of Legislative Affairs, Washington, DC
2002 – 2005 Infantry Officer, USMC, Twentynine Palms, CA
EDUCATION:
2009 Juris Doctor, Catholic University, Columbus School of Law, Washington, DC
2000 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Chapel Hill, NC