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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former congressman Doug Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The loyal House Republican and former top GOP member on the House Judiciary Committee was a key defender of Trump during his first impeachment and other oversight efforts. Collins, a lawyer, Iraq veteran, and Air Force Reserve chaplain, would oversee services for over 16 million veterans, including education, health care, home loans, and disability benefits. The VA manages one of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare systems, comprising over 170 medical centers and over 1,000 additional care facilities.
“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 statement Thursday.
Collins, who represented Georgia in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021, became the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee in 2019. He led GOP efforts against Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and Trump’s first impeachment. Collins faced criticism for his vigorous defense of Trump, including a 2020 apology after claiming Democrats were “in love with terrorists” during a debate over limiting Trump’s war powers after Qasem Soleimani’s assassination.
Honored to accept @realDonaldTrump nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Our heroes deserve the best care and support.
We’ll fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they’ve earned.… pic.twitter.com/StWK0XcYAm
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) November 14, 2024
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