Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs

United States
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs
ASD(LA)
Seal of the United States Department of Defense
Flag of an Assistant Secretary of Defense
Incumbent
Dane Hughes
Acting 
since January 20, 2025
United States Department of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense
StyleMr Assistant Secretary
(informal)
The Honorable
(formal)
Reports toUnited States Secretary of Defense
SeatThe Pentagon, Arlington County, Virginia
AppointerThe President
with Senate advice and consent
Term lengthNo Fixed Term
Constituting instrument10 U.S.C. § 138
Inaugural holderMarx Leva
Formation1947
SalaryExecutive Schedule Level IV
WebsiteOfficial website

The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, or ASD(LA), is the head of the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, responsible for providing support to the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) in his/her dealings with the United States Congress. In addition to serving as SecDef's legislative adviser, the ASD(LA) promotes the Department of Defense's strategy, legislative priorities, policies, and budget before Congress. In carrying out these responsibilities, the ASD(LA) directs a team of managers, action officers, and support personnel who help direct, monitor and manage communications and activities between Congress and elements of the Department of Defense. The ASD(LA) is considered a part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.