Doug Collins confirmed to lead Veterans Affairs, aiming to cut red tape and provide care
WASHINGTON – The Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm Doug Collins as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he has pledged to cut red tape and get veterans the health care they need.
Collins, 58, previously served in the U.S. House as a Georgia Republican and for two decades in the military, including in Iraq in 2008. The Senate confirmed Collins by a vote of 77 to 23.
"Our heroes deserve the best care and support," Collins said in a mid-November post on X when Trump chose him. "We'll fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they've earned."
Collins was one of President Donald Trump’s most vocal defenders as the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee when it investigated Trump during his first administration and voted twice to impeach him. Trump was acquitted in both Senate trials.
Collins is a Navy veteran, an Air Force reserve colonel and a chaplain. He’s also a lawyer.
At his confirmation hearing Jan. 21, Collins said his top priority will be to deliver veterans access to care and benefits. He also said the department must do more outreach to vulnerable veterans at risk of suicide or homelessness.
“The chaplaincy has taught me that leadership is about more than rank. It’s about listening, having a servant’s heart, motivating people and setting a good example for others to follow,” Collins said. “And as a longtime congressman and attorney, I know the federal government and I have the policy background to solve complex problems, cut through red tape and get things done for those who have worn the uniform.”
After eight years in the House, Collins ran for the Senate in 2020 with Trump's endorsement. But Collins finished third in a special election to former GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock. Warnock beat Loeffler in the runoff.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits, health care, and cemetery services to military veterans. It employs nearly 371,000 health care professionals and support staff at VA medical facilities across the country.
"We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement announcing his choice of Collins.
(This story has been updated to correct the spelling on Sen. Raphael Warnock's first name.)