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  • Washington Highlights

    Senate VA Committee Holds Confirmation Hearing, Votes to Advance Nominee

    Contacts

    Andrew Herrin, Senior Legislative Analyst
    For Media Inquiries

    In a Jan. 21 confirmation hearing, former Rep. Doug Collins answered questions before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee about expanding veterans’ access to health care and the community care program, reproductive health care provided at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sites, updates to the VA’s electronic health record system, ongoing budget shortfall challenges at the department, continuing implementation of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act, P.L. 117-168), the impact of recent executive orders on the VA workforce, and other issues he would consider if confirmed as secretary.    

    Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced Collins at the hearing and highlighted his military experience and past work on VA issues as a former member of Congress, emphasizing his support of Collins’ nomination. Committee Chair Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) noted that Collins “knows firsthand the benefits and challenges of military service and the many issues facing veterans and their families,” in addition to his experience as a “dedicated public servant and policy expert.” He and other Republican members of the committee inquired about past VA policies and practices, including adherence to the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-182), mental health care, deployment of electronic health record systems, and the construction and maintenance of VA facilities. Meanwhile, committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) questioned Collins on the recent issuance of a federal hiring freeze and its impact on the VA, urging Collins to advocate for an exemption for the nonveterans benefits employees who play a role in caring for veterans at medical facilities. 

    In a Jan. 23 business meeting, the committee voted 18-1 to advance Collins’ nomination to the full Senate for consideration.