Doug Collins advances through VA Committee with only one Democratic 'no' vote

 

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was the lone 'no' vote on Collins

A wide bipartisan vote in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee advanced Doug Collins' nomination for VA secretary to the Senate floor.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was the lone 'no' vote of the 19 members of the committee.

It's not yet clear when Collins will get a vote by the full Senate, but he's expected to sail to confirmation to lead the agency of 400,000 employees and 1,300 health facilities.

The bipartisan vote signaled Democrats were satisfied with Collins' assurances he would protect veterans' care amid budget shortfalls, and pressure from the Trump administration to trim fat and increase efficiency.

“VA will not have a stronger fighter for the employees and the workforce than this secretary, if confirmed — and also one that will make sure that we’re held accountable, because good work begets good work, and others need to be held accountable,” Collins said at a confirmation hearing Tuesday.