Senate Confirms Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 77-23 Vote

On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed former Georgia congressman Doug Collins as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with a 77-23 vote, officially appointing him to lead the department responsible for supporting U.S. veterans. Collins, a Republican and former Air Force chaplain, secured widespread bipartisan support, with votes from all 53 Senate Republicans and nearly half of the Democratic senators. His confirmation was notably smooth, facing little opposition during his nomination hearing before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in January.

In his new role within President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Collins will oversee the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which provides essential services to the nation’s veterans. The VA operates an extensive healthcare system, ensuring millions of veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve. When announcing Collins’ nomination in November, President Trump highlighted the importance of supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military families, expressing full confidence in Collins’ ability to advocate for their needs.

A Committed Advocate for Veterans and Military Families

Collins, a staunch conservative, has long been an advocate for veterans’ issues and was one of Trump’s strongest supporters during his time in Congress. He played a key role in defending the former president during the impeachment proceedings and remained a significant figure in Republican politics. Despite some setbacks, Collins’ influence persisted, and although he was considered for roles in the Trump administration, this marks his first official appointment.