By a vote of 77-23 on Tuesday, the Senate approved Doug Collins as the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Collins, an Air Force chaplain and former congressman from Georgia, received votes from almost half of the Democrats and all Senate Republicans, demonstrating his bipartisan support.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which offers veterans essential services like healthcare, pensions, and educational benefits, will be under Collins’ direction as Secretary.
His responsibilities also include addressing veteran suicides, cutting wait times, and increasing VA efficiency.
Collins will work with the Department of Defense, Congress, and nonprofits to improve assistance for veterans and make sure they get the treatment and assistance they are entitled to.