Doug Collins Confirmed as VA Secretary with Bipartisan Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday, securing strong bipartisan support in a 77-22 Senate vote. The confirmation came just after 1 p.m., with one final vote still pending.

Collins, a Republican who represented Georgia’s 9th District from 2013 to 2021, received backing from both of Georgia’s Democratic senators, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Known for his role in defending former President Donald Trump during his first impeachment, Collins is also a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command and an Iraq War veteran.

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones praised Collins in a social media post, calling him a “fighter and a tireless advocate for those who fought to protect our freedoms.” Jones added, “As the first Iraq War veteran to be Secretary of the VA, Doug will make us all proud!”

Rep. Andrew Clyde, who now represents Georgia’s 9th District, also congratulated Collins, expressing confidence that he would ensure veterans receive “the quality care and support they deserve.”

During his confirmation hearing two weeks ago, Collins addressed several contentious issues, including access to private medical care for veterans and the future of the VA health system. While he supports expanding private care options, Collins emphasized that the VA system would remain intact. “There will always be a VA health system for the veteran,” he said.

Collins also faced questions about abortion services at VA facilities. He reiterated his stance that a 1992 law prohibits the VA from performing abortions, though the Biden administration announced in 2022 that VA facilities would provide abortions in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. Collins pledged to reexamine the rule, stating, “It’s time for us to take a look at the rule and make sure we’re actually doing what the law and the intent of this body is.”

In his opening remarks, Collins vowed to make the VA his mission, saying, “It will be my mission to take care of our veterans and ensure they get the benefits they deserve.”