The Senate voted 77-23 on Tuesday to confirm former Georgia congressman Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, placing him in charge of the department responsible for providing critical care and support to America’s veterans.
Collins, a Republican and former Air Force chaplain, secured bipartisan backing, with all 53 Senate Republicans and nearly half of the chamber’s Democrats supporting his confirmation. The vote capped off a smooth confirmation process, as Collins faced little opposition during his nomination hearing before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in January.
Collins now steps into a key role within President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, tasked with overseeing the VA’s vast healthcare system and ensuring benefits for millions of veterans across the country.
Trump said when announcing Collins’ nomination in November,“We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our active duty service-members, veterans, and military families to ensure they have the support they need.”
A staunch conservative, Collins was one of Trump’s most vocal allies in Congress and played a key role in defending the former president during his first impeachment.
Collins has a background in both ministry and law. He served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Before entering Congress, he served in the Georgia House of Representatives, building a reputation as a reliable conservative voice. In 2020, Collins ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia but lost in the state’s jungle primary to Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock.
Despite his defeat, he remained a key figure in Republican politics and was even considered for roles in the Trump administration, though he never took an official position.
President Trump and Doug Collins
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level official responsible for leading the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides services and benefits to millions of military veterans and their families. The secretary oversees the VA’s vast healthcare system, ensuring that veterans receive timely medical care, rehabilitation, and mental health services through VA hospitals and clinics across the country.
In addition to healthcare, the secretary is in charge of administering key benefits such as pensions, disability compensation, and education support through programs like the GI Bill. Beyond medical and financial benefits, the VA secretary plays a crucial role in housing and employment assistance for veterans, overseeing loan programs, job training initiatives, and transition support for those moving from military to civilian life.
The position also involves working with Congress to shape policies that improve veteran services while ensuring the VA operates efficiently and effectively. Addressing systemic issues, such as long wait times, outdated claims processing, and veteran suicide prevention, is a major part of the role, requiring strong leadership and accountability.
Collaboration is another essential function of the VA secretary, as they work closely with the Department of Defense to help service members transition successfully to civilian life. Partnerships with state agencies and nonprofit organizations help expand resources available to veterans.
Given the size and complexity of the VA, the secretary must navigate political and bureaucratic challenges while ensuring that America’s veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.
