Trump Nominee Doug Collins Testifies at Senate Confirmation Hearing for Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Jan 21, 2025, 03:59 PM

Doug Collins, nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs, testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs in a confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Collins, a former Georgia congressman and a Navy veteran, is a colonel and chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command with prior service in Iraq in 2008. As the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee during Trump's first impeachment, Collins defended the president. During the hearing, he expressed his commitment to improving veterans' access to health care, including expanding the VA's community care program while also strengthening the department's existing health care system. Collins also addressed the need to fix the VA's electronic health records system, promising to assess whether the ongoing project can be expedited or if it should be abandoned. He emphasized the importance of accountability and efficiency within the VA, and pledged to enhance outreach to veterans at risk of suicide or homelessness. Additionally, Collins faced questions on his stance regarding abortion services for veterans, indicating he would ensure compliance with the law.