Doug Collins To Lead VA: What Veterans Need To Know
The selection of Doug Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs under the next Trump Administration could signal changes to controversial Biden Administration policies if he is confirmed.
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement last Thursday, but how this selection will impact veterans over the long term is up for grabs. Here, we take a look at his history of public service to parse out what matters.
Doug Collins, a longtime Trump ally and attorney, served in the Iraq War and is presently a chaplain in the US Air Force Reserve at the rank of Colonel. It appears his selection marks the first time a chaplain will lead the agency since its inclusion as a Cabinet-level agency.
30,000 Foot View
- Doug Collins is a Colonel in the US Air Force Reserve, formerly Navy
- He is a chaplain for the US Air Force Reserve
- He is a practicing attorney in the private sector
- He served as a Georgia state Congressman 2007-2012
- He served as a US Representative for Georgia 2013-2020
- He holds a Master’s in Divinity and a Juris Doctor
- He is a husband with three children
- He is a practicing Southern Baptist
What Did Trump Say
“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 wrote on Truth Social. “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. Thank you, Doug, for your willingness to serve our country in this very important role.”
Collins wrote on X.com, promising to slash regulations and “root out corruption” to give veterans the benefits they’ve been promised.
“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,” Collins said. “Together, we’ll make the VA work for those who fought for us. Time to deliver for our veterans and give them the world class care they deserve.”
The chaplain turned attorney has a long history of public service with a long career in the US military and serving as a Georgia and later United States Congressman.
What does this future Veterans Affairs secretary mean for veterans?
Trump’s pick might signal that the agency will focus more on its core obligations, delivering benefits and providing medically necessary health care, where specific policy changes under the Biden Administration may be repealed or minimized.
What Are Some Examples?
Doug Collins will have his hands full fixing problems created by improperly rolling out the PACT Act in 2022, where the agency under-projected the financial cost of the program, resulting in significant underfunding. Veterans are not receiving the benefits and services promised in a timely manner, community choice referrals are not properly issued or paid, and staffing at VA hospitals was in a freeze due to poor planning.
Collins will have to address the agency’s horrific roll-out of the electronic health record modernization project through its partner Cerner-Oracle. The modernization process started under Obama, was approved under Trump, totally botched under Biden, and will likely return to the drawing board under Trump Part 2.
Collins may also have his sights set on any policies stemming from expansive Federalism executive orders dating back to the Clinton-era used by the Biden Administrations to expand control over licensures and protocols previously regulated by the states.
RELATED: President Clinton’s Sellout of Federalism
Congress recently held hearings on the resulting policy changes referred to as the Federal Supremacy Initiative or Federal Supremacy Project. This generally refers to policies and executive orders serving to override states’ rights to regulate activities within their state boundaries.
Here are some more recent examples that the new Trump Administration may target:
- Nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, and optometrists may see limits restored on their ability to treat veterans without physician oversight. These changes were pursued under an expansion of Federalism, where local state requirements no longer impact care services.
- The agency will likely stop paying for or providing abortions, especially in states where the procedure proposed is illegal when evaluating medically necessary procedures. Citing Federalism, the Biden Administration first allowed abortions in response to the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022.
- Certain medical services, such as gender-affirming care requested by transgender veterans, may be limited to medically necessary procedures (however that is defined) based on policy definitions pursued by the second Trump Administration.
- Expand access to community health providers by limiting the ability of local VA leadership to curtail access, complained of by many veterans over the past few years.
We cover more on this below.
It is also safe to say, given Collins’ religious background, that Bibles and Christmas caroling will not be forbidden based on local VA policies, which occurred under the Obama Administration.
In 2016, then-US Representative Collins responded to the VA removing a bible from a display at a VA medical facility in Ohio. “I call on the Akron VA clinic to immediately replace the Bible … to the display,” he said. “I will not stand by while the MRFF fights a misguided battle to erase religious values from public view.”
RELATED: Bible removed from Akron Veterans Affairs display causes uproar
I think it’s safe to say that if any director removes a Bible, they will get fired or retired, immediately
Background on Doug Collins
Early Life and Education
Doug Collins was born on August 16, 1966, in Gainesville, Georgia. He was raised in a devout Christian family that instilled in him strong moral values. Collins attended North Hall High School, where he excelled academically and was involved in various extracurricular activities.
After high school, Collins completed an undergraduate degree, graduate divinity degree, and law degree two decades later:
- North Georgia College & State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminal law in 1988,
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he obtained a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1996, further solidifying his commitment to his faith and community service,
- Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, in 2007, equipping him with a robust legal foundation for his future political career.
Personal Life
Doug Collins is a devoted family man, married to his wife, Lisa Jordan, with whom he has three children. One of their children has spina bifida, a condition that has fueled Collins’ advocacy for disability rights and his commitment to supporting families facing similar challenges.
A devout Christian, Collins is an active member of Lakewood Baptist Church, where his faith continues to guide his personal and professional life. His dedication to veterans’ issues is unwavering, reflecting his deep respect for those who have served the nation and his ongoing efforts to improve their lives and well-being.
Politician and Military Air Force Reserve Chaplain
Doug Collins is a veteran and a former U.S. Congressman from Georgia, where he served from 2013 to 2021. He has military experience as a chaplain in both the Navy and the Air Force Reserve, including deployment to Iraq. He served in the Navy in the 1980s, and he joined again after the September 11 attacks.
His role as an Air Force Reserve chaplain and during the Iraq War shows his dedication to the country, its service members, and the needs of veterans. His political career has been marked by strong support for conservative values and loyalty to Trump. The latter certainly influenced his nomination into Trump’s future Cabinet.
In politics, Collins served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013. In 2012, he supported legislation to amend the Georgia Constitution to authorize and expand charter schools. He supported state laws limiting abortion after 20 weeks, physician-assisted suicide, and global-warming-linked legislation that would increase the tax burden of Georgians.
He served in the US Congress from 2013 to 2021, where Collins was also known for his committee assignments. He rose to vice chair of the House Republican Conference, highlighting his influence within GOP leadership. He was also considered a Trump loyalist.
In the US House of Representatives, Collins served on the:
- Committee on Rules
- Committee on the Judiciary
- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Doug Collins on Political Issues
Abortion
- Opposes abortion: Voted for restrictive abortion laws, including prohibiting abortions past 20 weeks and requiring ultrasounds before the procedure.
- Pro-life advocacy: Strongly supports the rights of unborn children and has publicly stated that he believes life begins at conception.
Healthcare
- Opposes the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): Criticized it as a failed experiment that increased costs for Americans.
- Supports healthcare reform: Advocated for policies that would allow veterans to access private healthcare options more easily.
Tax Reform
- Supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017: Believed it would stimulate job creation and benefit American families by reducing taxes.
Gun Rights
- Strong pro-gun stance: Received an “A” rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund, indicating strong support for gun rights.
LGBTQ Rights
- Opposes same-sex marriage: Advocated for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
- Opposed the Equality Act: Voted against legislation aimed at expanding civil rights protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Women’s Rights
- Voted against the Violence Against Women Act (2013): Opposed its expansion to cover same-sex couples and undocumented immigrants.
Foreign Policy
- Criticized Democrats’ foreign policy stances: Made controversial remarks regarding Democrats’ attitudes towards terrorism, particularly in response to the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
Marijuana Policy
- Initially opposed medical marijuana access for veterans: Voted against allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis but later showed support for state protections regarding marijuana laws.
Environmental Policy
- Opposed global warming-related legislation: Signed a pledge to vote against any legislation that would raise taxes in relation to climate change initiatives.
Military and Veterans Affairs
- Supported major veterans’ legislation: Voted in favor of key bills like the 2014 Choice Act, the 2018 Mission Act, and the 2017 VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act.
- Advocated for veterans’ access to private care: Emphasized the need for veterans to have choices in their healthcare options.
2020 U.S. Senate Election
In 2020, Doug Collins entered the race for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, a highly competitive and closely watched election.
Despite a vigorous campaign, Collins lost in the open primary to Republican Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock. Loeffler enjoyed the support of Senator Mitch McConnell and all the funding associated with that level of support. The Republicans lost the seat to the Democrats that year.
However, his defeat did not diminish his influence or commitment to his political ideals. Collins remained a steadfast supporter of President Trump, continuing to advise him on legal matters and maintaining a prominent role in the political landscape.
Public Speaking
Doug Collins is renowned for his public speaking prowess, captivating audiences with his charismatic and engaging style. He has been a prominent speaker at numerous events, including Trump rallies in Georgia during the 2024 campaign, where his speeches energized and mobilized supporters.
Collins also speaks at events for the America First Policy Institute, where he serves as the Georgia chair. His ability to connect with audiences and articulate his vision has made him a sought-after speaker in conservative circles.
Commitment to Veterans Affairs
Upon his nomination, Collins expressed a commitment to improving care for the approximately 16 million veterans in the U.S. He aims to streamline processes, cut regulations, and ensure that every veteran receives the benefits they have earned.
His approach emphasizes reducing bureaucratic barriers that veterans face when accessing care. Doug Collins speaks frequently in support of veterans’ issues, highlighting his advocacy and public speaking engagements.
Potential Veterans Affairs Changes Under Collins
Expansion of Healthcare Access
Collins is expected to build on the groundwork laid by previous administrations regarding veterans’ access to healthcare. This includes:
- Increased Use of Private Sector Care: Following Trump’s first term’s emphasis on expanding veterans’ choices in healthcare, Collins may push for greater integration of private sector providers into the VA system. This aligns with his statements about allowing veterans to see their own doctors if they prefer.
- Streamlining Regulations: Collins has vowed to “fight tirelessly” to cut red tape within the VA. This could involve simplifying enrollment processes and reducing wait times for appointments, ultimately improving access for veterans who might otherwise struggle with long delays.
Focus on Accountability and Corruption in the House Judiciary Committee
Collins has emphasized a commitment to rooting out corruption within the VA. This may involve:
- Employee Accountability: He has indicated plans to increase oversight of VA employees and potentially reinstate efforts to fire underperforming staff members, which were prominent during Trump’s first term.
- Policy Revisions: Collins may seek to revise policies that have been criticized for being overly protective of employees at the expense of veteran care.
Controversial Issues: Abortion and LGBTQ Services
Abortion Policy and Constitutional Amendment Defining Marriage
Collins’ administration could mark a significant shift in the VA’s approach to abortion services.
Following recent expansions that allow for abortion counseling and procedures in specific circumstances (such as threats to life or health), there is speculation that Collins may attempt to roll back these provisions. His conservative stance suggests he might support limiting access to abortion services provided by the VA, reflecting broader Republican goals.
More likely, Collins will reverse the policies that were relied on to provide abortions in states where certain laws may limit access to abortions on the open market with that state.
LGBTQ Services
Collins’ record suggests potential challenges for LGBTQ services within the VA.
Given his history of opposing the advancement of certain LGBTQ rights during his congressional tenure, there may be concerns that his leadership could lead to reduced support for inclusive policies aimed at addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ veterans.
It seems likely that non-medically necessary procedures linked to the LGBTQ community’s unique needs may receive less support or focus during this administration.
Federalism and Healthcare Delivery
The VA has increasingly utilized federalism principles to expand its authority over healthcare delivery, particularly in allowing Nurse Practitioners, Optometrists, and Clinical Pharmacists greater autonomy in providing care without state-level scope-of-practice regulations.
The Trump Administration will likely expand community choice to ensure veterans maintain access to their chosen healthcare provider.
It seems unlikely the administration will continue to expand the erosion of state oversight of providers therein licensed or providing health care services as was occurring under the Biden Administration through Federalism.
Conclusion
Doug Collins’ nomination as Secretary of Veterans Affairs represents a pivotal moment for the agency as it navigates complex challenges related to veteran care.
His focus on streamlining processes, increasing accountability, and potentially reshaping controversial policies will significantly impact how veterans receive healthcare services.
During his confirmation, the Senate will likely probe into his background.
If confirmed, stakeholders will be closely watching how his leadership influences both access and quality of care for America’s veterans in an increasingly polarized political environment. The effectiveness of his initiatives will ultimately determine whether he can fulfill his promise of delivering world-class care for those who have served the nation.
What do you think? Will veterans get the leadership they deserve?
For decades, veterans have complained agency leadership puts the needs of veterans behind the demands of agency employees.
Will Doug Collins end this trend?
What are key characteristics you’d like to see in a VA secretary?
Let’s get one thing out of the way. There’s no actual proof or evidence for virgin birth, walking on water, resurrection, stolen election, or the VA as a successful healthcare model. Now, I hear a lot of people complaining endlessly about how bad this healthcare system is, and it is, but don’t want to see private care? What sense does that make? How many more decades of this bullshit are we gonna put up with? Now more than ever we need an alternative to this scam system. They’re paying 300K + people when instead they could use the money for veterans healthcare. HELLO!!!!
What we need to know: Nothing will change because it’s the cheapest solution. All the fear mongering and propaganda for every direction is only meant to keep things the way there are. What we need is a judge who is willing to play their part in our democracy and help us gain justice for the abuse and denial of care.
The V.A. has turned down my request for stem cell treatment.
I am a Vietnam Era Veteran with 100% service connected disability.
If I wanted to change my appearance from a man to a woman the V.A. would pay for such surgery.
The program at the V.A. is called G.I.V.E.
No, they won’t be chopping off penises either. It’s all propaganda and a big joke. It’s bad propaganda too because so many veterans don’t go for that shit.
Project 2025 page 650, speaks of reducing compensation for some. Who will be targeted? Will those with over 20 years be protected?
Ben, your articles are more bureaucratically oriented. I mean, in other words, less focus upon individual veteran patients of VA who are chronically abused by VA lawfare (your concept). I have experienced three VA Secretaries. Like your essay, I read other essays that covered these same descriptions. Not one of these essays informed me about how to go about determining whether or not this guy will focus upon individuals. VA primary care remains a cesspool of incompetent doctors and lazy nurses who follow orders the veteran patient be damned. Primary care merely is a pill dispenser. The VA primary care doctor responds to an algorithm that tells the incompetent doctor which pill to prescribe.
So, I really see no value in this essay written by someone who is now more of a bureaucrat that an advocate for individual veteran patients. That is to say, focus upon individual veteran patients in order to reform a bureaucratic disciplinary apparatus rather than providing primary care that meets individual medical needs. I say with pride that eye clinic and dental clinic employees have performed their assigned tasks.
Former Congressman Doug Collins has the same positions that I do. To get the leadership attention he is going to have to really stand firm and enforce accountability.
I think it’s a 50/50 choice time will tell
Collins sounds like a nightmare, a destroyer of the VA like most so-called Republicans, the MAGA fascists. We don’t need or want christian nationalist running our VA. He can keep his religion to himself. What we need is a leader that will oppose all forms of privatization and will fully fund and staff our VA. Collins certainly isn’t one. I am certainly glad the sky pilot wasn’t in charge when I had my cancer surgery.
USMC SGT-Vietnam 1966/67
I pray Mr. Collins can reform this corrupt agency FOR veterans and their healthcare!
p.s.
Get that “pride flag” out of every VA building!
There are two items that immediately pop out at me as a veteran and an employee- the VA cannot get enough doctors to provide treatment or to examine service members for possible benefits. To help with this, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants have stepped in to stem the shortage. This was accomplished by pushing the corners of the regs that you want to be rolled back. Where are you going to get the staff to do this when this happens? Second, the sending of service members to private medical care providers is a great idea. However, the va must find health care providers who are willing to accept the fact that they will be limited on what they can charge for services. A reason why docs don’t participate in Medicare is because they don’t want to be limited on what they can charge. And just a point – if I am working at a va facility and believe that religion is a private thing, why should I be subjected to Bibles spread all over or have to listen to Christmas carols? Work is work and religion should not be part of work.
In response to your comment on Bibles. The only Bible that WILL BE displayed in ALL VA’s will be on the “Missing Man Table”! This was introduced by the 173rd Airborne Brigade decades ago. It has a passage that is relevant even today. “Giving up one’s life for brother IS next to Godliness!” I paraphrased the quote. I also met and have respect for the men who designed AND introduced the “Missing Man Ceremony” to the world!
So, IMO, you need to find another job somewhere else to work!
Why are some sins also crimes .
We all have to tolerate things we disagree with. For example, I hate incompetent Government and VA officials. Just like you may dislike being in a religious environment, both issues must be tolerated. Do we have a right to an unbiased healthcare system controlled by the Government? Any political or religious bias is improper. Absolutely! In my opinion, heads should swing if it isn’t. Let them sign up for food stamps!
If the Bible were replaced with the Koran, would you still object? How about the Gita (Hindu Scripture)? If all of them were available at the VA, what right do any of us have to complain? Barring any religion violates the US Constitution; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:…”
In Project 2025, they have also hinted at cutting disability compensation, but is vague on what they want to cut. What’s your take on that?
It. is about time years in the waiting that the VHA existing morons including and especially the Secretary of the VA is replaced the VA requests a competent leader the indications appear that Col Collins is that person
let all veteran pray for this and him
Thanks for the Effort Ben. Can you do a piece on him and Project 2025, maybe try to interview him on agree or disagreed with P2025′ plan for VA?? Peace, Buzz Davis VFP in Tucson
The Trump administration is not associated with the 2025 agenda. Even the author of it has denounced that. I hope y’all will stop with the liberal crap!
I’m hoping he’ll investigate VA Mental Health and ban the Suicide and Homicide- Inducing antidepressants VA Mental Health has approved for the f.d.a at the expense of military troops, their family members and veterans who were volunteered for PTSD Drug Research over the past 33 years.
Ref:
110th Congressional Hearing
“The Truth About Veterans’ Suicides”
21 Apr 2008
Pages 81, 82 and 110
Everyone thinks the VA is there to provide medical care to veterans. The VA’s main purpose is research and they have a free supply of human guinea pigs, as long as they can keep them on the cheap. Took me a couple years of horrible healthcare, physical and mental (with your mentioned drugs – of course) to put the pieces together. I left the VA and paid out of pocket because I desperately needed help for Lyme and TBD (which the VA said was all in my head, tested the tick, it came back positive) for 2 years before I turned 65 and got on Medicare. Since then I avoid the VA as much as possible and have gotten great care through Medicare, because I can choose competent DRs. It would be great if Collins could put a stop to the VA’s drug dealers. I highly recommend finding an experienced person who does EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). It saved my life and at least 4 other vets I know personally! No drugs, no re-living trauma. None of VA’s failed “therapies”.
Oh yes certain types of the anti psychotropic drugs do compromise the veterans and non veterans. Some of these type meds can be used to stabilize because they buffer the symptoms. Ultimately the patients need to be transitioned off. The process for transitioning off is very difficult. It has to be done with the alternative in place at the same time. Sometimes these meds do cause horrific side affects and sometimes the skills are con when on these meds. Although if the person is impaired prior to the use of the meds the person will remain compromised and the skill will be rebuilt gradually. But ultimately the person has to be off the meds to reach back into a non compromised functioning level. Why can alternatives be used to begin with? Although it will depend on the person and the diagnosis. Problem is the alternative is not regulated under the insurance companies and the alternative means used to improve cannot be used for profits. Alternative does not fall under the current Hippocratic oath. Anyway I hope he can deliver improvements.