Senate Committee meets to vote on Doug Collins confirmation as Veterans' Affairs secretary

 

Former Rep. Doug Collins

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee meets this morning at 9 a.m. to vote on the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s secretary nominee Doug Collins. 

Collins, a former House Republican from Georgia, promised Democrats in his confirmation hearing he would protect veterans’ care amid expected budget slashing and efficiency efforts and promised Republicans he would defend a program that allows veterans to seek healthcare outside the Veterans Affairs system.

Collins said the VA’s intent “was to make sure that the delivery of services to the veteran is first and foremost.”

After the committee vote, Collins will need to be confirmed by the full Senate. He is not expected to face a difficult confirmation fight due to the bipartisan nature of veterans’ care. 

Collins, a former Navy and Air Force reserve chaplain who deployed to Iraq, served in the House from 2013to 2021. He defended Trump during his 2019 impeachment inquiry.