Trump VA pick Doug Collins advances to full Senate vote

President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, successfully passed a Senate cloture vote with a strong 83-13 majority on Thursday night. The Gainesville, Georgia native and former U.S. congressman is also a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, bringing a unique set of qualifications to the role.
Collins is now set to face a full Senate floor vote for confirmation, where he is expected to easily secure approval with bipartisan support. Despite receiving positive feedback and bipartisan backing in his committee hearing, Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was the only member to vote against Collins.
If confirmed as VA secretary, Collins would take on the challenging task of overseeing a struggling healthcare and benefits system for the nation’s veterans. Issues such as long wait times for appointments, limited access to community care, insufficient mental health support, and financial constraints have been persistent challenges for past secretaries from both political parties.
The vote outcome reflects a rare moment of unity in a highly polarized political landscape, with Collins poised to bring a fresh perspective and leadership to the Department of Veterans Affairs. His experience in Congress and military service make him a compelling choice to address the pressing needs of our nation’s veterans.
The article was written by Fox News staff and edited for clarity and coherence.