"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." — President Donald J. Trump 

 

Former Rep. Doug Collins is receiving high praise from lawmakers and veterans advocacy groups alike as President Donald J. Trump's nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. That's because Collins — an Air Force Reserve colonel and Iraq War veteran with more than 20 years of military experience — understands the complex issues facing veterans across the country.

 

If confirmed, Collins would be the first military chaplain to lead the VA — and as a longtime congressman and attorney, he has the policy expertise to solve complex problems, cut through red tape, and get things done for those who have worn the uniform.

 

Here's what they're saying on Capitol Hill and beyond:

 

The Independence Fund: "The Independence Fund looks forward to working with President Trump's Nominee for SECVA, former Rep. Doug Collins."

 

AMVETS: "After hearing from Representative Collins and the transition team senior staff, it is clear to AMVETS that he has a firm understanding of how important the VA and its polices are to veterans and their families."

 

Incoming Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Jerry Moran (R-KS): "Rep. Collins' time in Congress has provided him with a strong understanding of the policies that impact veterans."

 

 

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chair Mike Bost (R-IL): "Thrilled my good friend, former Georgia congressman @RepDougCollins has been selected by President Trump to serve as VA Secretary. Can't wait to work together to serve the needs of America’s veterans!"

 

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC): "When it comes to our veterans, Doug is one of the smartest, sincerest, hardworking and dedicated members of Congress with whom I’ve worked. He is an outstanding choice to be our next VA Secretary, and he will put his heart and soul into the job. I hope my Democratic colleagues will support this exceptional, well-qualified and decent man."

 

Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS): "Caring for our nation’s military heroes after their service is essential. As a veteran, my friend and former colleague, Doug Collins is the right person to lead the VA, and deeply understands its important mission. I'm confident he will execute President Trump’s vision of providing veterans and their families with the support they deserve. Doug has my full support to lead the VA."

 

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA): "Doug Collins is a veteran, a strong leader, and was an excellent member of Congress. He is an excellent choice to shake up an agency that underperforms. We served together in the House, and based on that, I have developed a great deal of respect for him. I will work to move his confirmation forward in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee @SVACGOP."

 

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): "As a veteran himself, Doug will ensure that our nation's heroes and their families have the support they deserve."

 

 

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT): "As a congressman, veteran, and military chaplain, @RepDougCollins is a perfect choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure that the men and women who have defended America get the care, support, and gratitude they deserve. I look forward to confirming him!"

 

Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK): "An Air Force Reserve Colonel himself, I have full confidence that Rep. Collins is up to the job and will work hard to provide our veterans the care they have rightly earned."

 

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): "Rep. Collins served in the Navy, still serves in the Air Force Reserve, and deployed to Iraq. Doug is a strong pick to help reform the VA and will work hard to ensure our nation's veterans receive the very best care."

 

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL): "It was great to have Doug Collins, President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, stop by and discuss his ideas to better serve our veterans. President Trump is building a great team, and I'm confident Doug will do a wonderful job leading the VA."

 

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL): "@RepDougCollins is a proven leader and veteran who has constantly advocated for our service members throughout his career."

 

 

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL): "Our veterans deserve nothing less than the best—@realDonaldTrump, @RepDougCollins & I agree, & we're ready to deliver results. Doug understands our military community’s needs from his service as an Air Force Reserve Colonel & chaplain."

 

Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD): "Ready to get Doug confirmed so we can begin making the VA work for veterans again."

 

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS): "Having a leader with firsthand experience is key to driving meaningful improvements for those who've given so much. His perspective should serve him well in this role."

 

Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS): "Representative Collins knows first-hand how important the VA's work can be and is the right person to get them back on track."

 

Senator John Barrasso (R-WY): "As a veteran, @RepDougCollins understands the needs of our veterans and their families. Rep. Collins and @realDonaldTrump are committed to working together to fix the VA and ensure our veterans get the care and support they need."

 

 

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV): "Doug's passion and deep understanding of the issues facing veterans comes from his experience as a veteran himself and his background as a military chaplain, former congressman, and attorney."

 

Senator John Hoeven (R-ND): "As an Air Force Colonel and chaplain, @RepDougCollins understands what it means to serve."

 

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC): "[Collins] has a dedicated record of service and an eagerness to reform the VA. I look forward to working with him on behalf of North Carolina’s more than 700,000 veterans."

 

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE): "Enjoyed meeting with @RepDougCollins, President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. We discussed how the Trump administration can provide the support Nebraska's veterans deserve."

 

 

Senator Todd Young (R-IN): "Doug will do great work for America’s heroes as our next VA Secretary."

 

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND): "@RepDougCollins is a good friend and strong advocate for veterans because he is one! I appreciate his focus with taking on the bureaucracy and getting real results for our veterans."

 

Senator John Boozman (R-AR): "[Collins] understands firsthand the importance of supporting the men and women who have served our nation, and their families, as an eager partner with @SVACGOP."

 

Senator Jim Risch (R-ID): "Ensuring our nation's veterans receive their hard-earned benefits is a top priority @RepDougCollins and I share. I spoke to Doug about the roadblocks the Biden administration has put up halting all progress on rebuilding Idaho’s veterans homes. I’m confident he will break down the bureaucracy and strengthen the VA."

 

Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): "I had a great meeting with my friend and former colleague, Doug Collins! Agency mismanagement & lack of veteran resources have crippled Wyoming veterans, and I look forward to working with @RepDougCollins to ensure efficient & responsible care for all veterans in the Cowboy State"

 

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