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Collins Confirmed as VA Secretary, Promises Support and Accountability
During his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Doug Collins, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Veterans Affairs Department, assured lawmakers of his commitment to advocate for the department’s workforce while also emphasizing the need for accountability within the agency. Collins’ statements come at a critical time as the VA grapples with both workforce management and service delivery challenges.
The former Georgia congressman expressed strong support for the VA’s mission, refuting suggestions to privatize the agency. He highlighted the importance of the VA as the nation’s largest healthcare system dedicated to veterans, while acknowledging the necessity of expanding private sector healthcare options, a direction bolstered by the 2018 Mission Act, which has since impacted a significant portion of the VA’s budget.
“I believe you can have both, a robust VA and a community care program,” Collins stated, referring to the initiative that allows veterans to receive care from private healthcare providers.
Collins defended the recent governmentwide hiring freeze implemented by Trump, suggesting that he may seek exemptions for certain positions, such as benefits administrators, although he did not elaborate on which roles might be prioritized.
“We will evaluate our current staffing situation and make assessments based on the executive order’s guidance,” Collins indicated. “It’s essential to analyze existing resources and determine future needs without making any permanent reductions.”
Despite his reassurances, some committee members, particularly Sen. Richard Blumenthal, expressed concerns about the implications of the freeze on critical roles within the VA. Blumenthal highlighted the disconnect between vacancies and actual necessity, urging Collins to prioritize personnel essential for veteran care.
In response, Collins emphasized that the mere existence of open positions does not inherently indicate a deficiency in staffing needs.
“Just because there are vacancies doesn’t mean we require that many more employees,” Collins remarked, reinforcing his stance on examining actual needs rather than purely numerical vacancies.
Collins expressed a preference for bringing more staff back into the office environment rather than enabling remote work, although he acknowledged the limitations posed by collective bargaining agreements affecting a significant portion of the VA workforce. He reiterated his commitment to adhere to labor contracts and legal processes while also expressing a determination to address underperformance within the department.
“‘Failing up’ is not an option,” Collins asserted. “While I’ll operate within the framework of employee agreements, I will prioritize the well-being of veterans and ensure that anyone endangering their health and safety is removed from duty.”
Collins’ approach aims to eliminate poor performance while fostering a work environment where dedicated employees can thrive without the burden of inadequate co-workers. He emphasized his support for the diligent staff members who consistently perform their duties effectively.
“I will stand as the strongest advocate for every VA employee dedicated to delivering quality care,” Collins promised.
He also referenced the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, a legislative effort aimed at streamlining employee terminations within the agency. His predecessor, Denis McDonough, had previously halted the use of specific disciplinary provisions from this law, citing numerous legal challenges. This decision marked a setback for efforts within the last decade to enhance accountability and termination processes at the VA.
In light of these ongoing issues, congressional leaders in both chambers are poised to introduce new legislation aimed at reinstating and strengthening the provisions of the 2017 firing law, aiming to ensure that any agreements previously made with unions do not impede the VA’s capacity to maintain effective oversight and accountability structures.
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