Trump Taps Former Georgia Congressman and Veteran Doug Collins to Head the Department of Veterans Affairs

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Collins, 58, brings a diverse background in military service, ministry, law, and politics to the role.

In announcing the nomination, Trump emphasized Collins’ military background, stating, “Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our Country in the Iraq War.”

Trump also highlighted the importance of taking care of veterans, saying, “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.

Military and Ministry Background

Collins holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and served as a pastor for 11 years. He began his military career as a U.S. Navy chaplain in the late 1980s. Following the September 11 attacks, he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a chaplain, achieving the rank of colonel. In 2008, he was deployed to Balad Air Force Base in Iraq for five months. His most recent duty station was Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia, where he served as an individual mobile augmented to the command chaplain. 

Political Career

Doug Collins has had a distinguished political career, serving at both the state and federal levels. He began his journey in the Georgia State House of Representatives, where he served from 2007 to 2013. During his tenure, Collins was elected to three consecutive two-year terms and acted as a floor leader for Governor Nathan Deal. One of his significant achievements was negotiating budget cuts that safeguarded the lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship program, ensuring continued access to higher education for Georgia students.

In 2012, Collins transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia’s 9th Congressional District. He served in Congress from 2013 to 2021, rising to become the vice chair of the House Republican Conference, the fifth-highest leadership position within the GOP. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, where he eventually became the ranking member, Collins gained national recognition for his staunch defense of President Trump during both the Mueller investigation and the first impeachment proceedings.

In 2020, Collins chose to run for the U.S. Senate rather than seek re-election to the House. Despite a strong campaign, he finished third in the special election, trailing behind Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Kelly Loeffler. Following his departure from Congress, Collins continued to be politically active, serving as legal counsel for Trump and taking on the role of Georgia chair for the America First Policy Institute, a Trump-aligned organization.

Throughout his career, Collins has maintained a consistently conservative stance on key issues. He has been a vocal advocate for gun rights and received high ratings from conservative advocacy groups. His political journey has been characterized by unwavering support for Trump and active participation in shaping Republican initiatives.

VA Challenges Today

If confirmed as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins will face several critical challenges within the VA system. One of the most contentious issues is the ongoing debate over privatization. Programs like the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) allow veterans to seek care from private providers, but critics worry this could weaken the VA’s ability to provide direct, specialized care. Striking the right balance between public and private healthcare will be key.

Another pressing concern is the rising cost of outsourcing care to the private sector. The VA’s spending on community care has nearly doubled in recent years, jumping from $14.8 billion in 2018 to $28.5 billion in 2023. This rapid growth is straining the VA’s budget and raising questions about whether these funds could be better used to improve in-house services.

The quality and coordination of care are also under scrutiny. Veterans referred to private providers often encounter issues with continuity of care, as many private-sector clinicians lack expertise in treating veteran-specific health conditions. This fragmentation can lead to subpar outcomes, especially for those with complex medical or mental health needs.

Access to care, particularly in rural areas, remains a significant challenge. While community care programs were designed to reduce wait times and expand access, many veterans still face long delays and limited service availability. Staffing shortages within VA facilities further exacerbate this issue as the department struggles to recruit and retain healthcare professionals.

Mental health and substance abuse treatment are also critical priorities. The VA must improve access to mental health services to address the ongoing crisis of veteran suicides and substance abuse. Meanwhile, the modernization of VA facilities and technology is essential, as many buildings need upgrades, and health information systems require continued improvement.

Efficient claims processing and benefits administration are other areas in need of reform. Reducing backlogs and streamlining the process for veterans to receive their benefits will be crucial in ensuring timely support. Additionally, maintaining accountability and oversight for both VA-provided and community care is vital to uphold quality standards and prevent misuse of funds.

Finally, Collins will need to navigate the delicate balance between bolstering the VA’s internal capabilities and leveraging private-sector resources. This involves managing political tensions and ensuring that veterans receive high-quality, timely care, regardless of where it is delivered.

Nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Doug Collins has pledged to bring significant reform to the Department of Veterans Affairs if confirmed as its Secretary. He has vowed to “fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they’ve earned.” This commitment underscores his focus on addressing long-standing issues within the VA system, such as inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and delays in delivering care and benefits.

During his time in Congress, Collins demonstrated support for veterans through his voting record. He backed key pieces of legislation aimed at improving veterans’ services, including the 2014 Choice Act, which expanded access to private healthcare for veterans; the 2018 Mission Act, which streamlined and improved the VA’s community care programs; and the 2017 VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which enhanced the VA’s ability to discipline underperforming employees and protect whistleblowers.

However, Collins’ direct experience with veterans’ issues in Congress is somewhat limited, as he never served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. His nomination is expected to face scrutiny during the Senate confirmation process, where lawmakers will closely examine his qualifications and vision for leading the VA.