Doug Collins confirmed as veterans affairs secretary as Trump Cabinet takes shape The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Doug Collins as secretary of veterans affairs, putting the former congressman and Iraq War veteran at the helm of a department that provides crucial care to America's veterans.
“We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our active duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families to ensure they have the support they need,” Trump said in a November statement announcing Collins' nomination.
Collins said that he understand the challenges facing veterans today who “went time and time again, deployment after deployment” to conflict zones.
The lone dissenter, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said she was concerned that Collins would limit access to reproductive care like IVF or abortion for veterans.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she had a productive conversation with Collins during his confirmation hearing but pressed him on whether he'd commit to working with Congress to “strengthen and refine" the department "rather than resorting to privatization.”.
