• Former Congressman and Iraq War Veteran Doug Collins Confirmed as New Secretary of Veterans Affairs

  • Feb 11 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Former Congressman and Iraq War Veteran Doug Collins Confirmed as New Secretary of Veterans Affairs

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  • Summary

  • In a significant development, Doug Collins has been confirmed as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, marking a new era in the leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs. On February 4, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted 77-23 to confirm Collins, a former congressman and Iraq War veteran, to this critical role[1][4].

    Collins, who served as an Air Force chaplain, brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans. During his confirmation hearing in January, he highlighted his personal experience with the health issues stemming from service in conflict zones, including the effects of burn pits. Collins emphasized his commitment to improving the quality of care for veterans, particularly those from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars[1].

    As the new Secretary, Collins is tasked with overseeing a department that manages a budget of over $350 billion and operates nearly 200 medical centers and hospitals across the country. He has pledged to cut regulations within the department to enhance efficiency and elevate the standard of care provided to veterans[1].

    Collins' confirmation is part of a series of recent appointments within the Trump Administration. Other key appointees include Chris Syrek, who will serve as chief of staff, having previously overseen significant reforms during the first Trump Administration, including the implementation of the VA MISSION Act and the reduction of the backlog of disability and compensation claims. Cheryl Mason will serve as senior advisor to the secretary, building on her previous role as chair of the Board of Veterans Appeals, where she significantly reduced the backlog of legacy appeals. Lynda Davis will continue her role as the chief officer of VA’s Veterans Experience Office, focusing on improving customer experience and trust among veterans[2].

    In his initial message to veterans and VA employees, Secretary Collins is expected to emphasize the importance of timely and quality healthcare and benefits for the nation’s veterans. This aligns with the sentiments expressed by Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, who congratulated Collins on his confirmation and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the department forward[4].

    The Department of Veterans Affairs has also been involved in other recent initiatives. For instance, the VA has announced a return to in-person work policy and has provided additional time for veterans to transition to a new online login system. Additionally, the VA has ended its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, stopping millions in spending on these initiatives[3].

    As Secretary Collins begins his tenure, he will be addressing a range of pressing issues, including the ongoing health challenges faced by a younger generation of veterans and the need for continuous improvement in the delivery of healthcare and benefits. His leadership is anticipated to be crucial in ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs remains a premier agency for supporting the well-being of America’s veterans.
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