Congressman doug collins biography books

The selection of Doug Collins to escort the Department of Veterans Affairs inferior to the next Trump Administration could radio alarm changes to controversial Biden Administration policies if he is confirmed.

President-elect Donald Announce made the announcement last Thursday, nevertheless how this selection will impact veterans over the long term is ripen for grabs. Here, we take shipshape and bristol fashion look at his history of get around service to parse out what matters.

Doug Collins, a longtime Trump ally near attorney, served in the Iraq Fighting and is presently a chaplain confine the US Air Force Reserve watch the rank of Colonel. It appears his selection marks the first ahead a chaplain will lead the company since its inclusion as a Cabinet-level agency.

30,000 Foot View

  • Doug Collins is a-okay Colonel in the US Air Claim Reserve, formerly Navy
  • He is a divine for the US Air Force Reserve
  • He is a practicing attorney in high-mindedness private sector
  • He served as a Colony state Congressman 2007-2012
  • He served as a-ok US Representative for Georgia 2013-2020
  • He holds a Master’s in Divinity and dialect trig Juris Doctor
  • He is a husband fulfil three children
  • He is a practicing Southern Baptist

What Did Trump Say

“Doug obey a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain compile the United States Air Force Understand Command, and fought for our Land in the Iraq War,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We must grip care of our brave men trip women in uniform, and Doug decision be a great advocate for tangy Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Warlike Families to ensure they have say publicly support they need. Thank you, Doug, for your willingness to serve blur country in this very important role.”

Collins wrote on X.com, promising to ranking regulations and “root out corruption” enrol give veterans the benefits they’ve anachronistic promised.

“We’ll fight tirelessly to streamline current cut regulations in the VA, beginnings out corruption, and ensure every past master receives the benefits they’ve earned,” Writer said. “Together, we’ll make the VA work for those who fought funding us. Time to deliver for lastditch veterans and give them the replica class care they deserve.”

The chaplain evil-smelling attorney has a long history pageant public service with a long being in the US military and dollop as a Georgia and later Banded together States Congressman.

What does this future Veterans Affairs secretary mean for veterans?

Trump’s be in opposition to might signal that the agency last wishes focus more on its core strings, delivering benefits and providing medically central health care, where specific policy oscillate under the Biden Administration may tweak repealed or minimized.

What Are Some Examples?

Doug Collins will have his hands entire fixing problems created by improperly rushing out the PACT Act in 2022, where the agency under-projected the capital cost of the program, resulting call a halt significant underfunding. Veterans are not recipience acknowledgme the benefits and services promised crush a timely manner, community choice referrals are not properly issued or receive, and staffing at VA hospitals was in a freeze due to shoddy planning.

Collins will have to address nobleness agency’s horrific roll-out of the electronic health record modernization project through loom over partner Cerner-Oracle. The modernization process afoot under Obama, was approved under Trumpet call, totally botched under Biden, and liking likely return to the drawing plank under Trump Part 2.

Collins possibly will also have his sights set partner any policies stemming from expansive Federalism executive orders dating back to say publicly Clinton-era used by the Biden Administrations to expand control over licensures nearby protocols previously regulated by the states.

RELATED: President Clinton’s Sellout of Federalism

Congress new held hearings on the resulting game plan changes referred to as the Confederate Supremacy Initiative or Federal Supremacy Scheme. This generally refers to policies cranium executive orders serving to override states’ rights to regulate activities within their state boundaries.

Here are some more virgin examples that the new Trump Oversight may target:

  • Nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, boss optometrists may see limits restored dance their ability to treat veterans keep away from physician oversight. These changes were chase under an expansion of Federalism, situation local state requirements no longer fix care services.
  • The agency will likely tilt back paying for or providing abortions, enormously in states where the procedure planned is illegal when evaluating medically key procedures. Citing Federalism, the Biden Supervision first allowed abortions in response show the overturning of Roe v Cross in 2022.
  • Certain medical services, such in the same way gender-affirming care requested by transgender veterans, may be limited to medically vital procedures (however that is defined) home-produced on policy definitions pursued by greatness second Trump Administration.
  • Expand access to persons health providers by limiting the inappropriateness of local VA leadership to keep back access, complained of by many veterans over the past few years.

We outflow more on this below.

It is too safe to say, given Collins’ metaphysical background, that Bibles and Christmas caroling will not be forbidden based complacency local VA policies, which occurred subordinate to the Obama Administration.

In 2016, then-US Agent Collins responded to the VA deposition a bible from a display bulldoze a VA medical facility in River. “I call on the Akron VA clinic to immediately replace the Human … to the display,” he voiced articulate. “I will not stand by decide the MRFF fights a misguided fight to erase religious values from decode view.”

RELATED: Bible removed from Akron Veterans Affairs display causes uproar

I think it’s safe to say that if non-u director removes a Bible, they determination get fired or retired, immediately

Background finely tuned Doug Collins

Early Life and Education

Doug Writer was born on August 16, 1966, in Gainesville, Georgia. He was peer in a devout Christian family consider it instilled in him strong moral composure. Collins attended North Hall High Institute, where he excelled academically and was involved in various extracurricular activities.

After extreme school, Collins completed an undergraduate caste, graduate divinity degree, and law prestige two decades later:

  • North Georgia College & State University, earning a Bachelor appeal to Arts in political science and felonious law in 1988,
  • New Orleans Baptist Divine Seminary, where he obtained a Master hand of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1996, new to the job solidifying his commitment to his certainty and community service,
  • Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, in 2007, equipping him with a robust statutory foundation for his future political career.

Personal Life

Doug Collins is a devoted kindred man, married to his wife, Lisa Jordan, with whom he has duo children. One of their children has spina bifida, a condition that has fueled Collins’ advocacy for disability undiluted and his commitment to supporting families facing similar challenges.

A devout Christly, Collins is an active member get a hold Lakewood Baptist Church, where his certitude continues to guide his personal slab professional life. His dedication to veterans’ issues is unwavering, reflecting his abyssal respect for those who have served the nation and his ongoing efforts to improve their lives and well-being.

Politician and Military Air Force Reserve Chaplain

Doug Collins is a veteran and a-okay former U.S. Congressman from Georgia, circle he served from 2013 to 2021. He has military experience as natty chaplain in both the Navy direct the Air Force Reserve, including giving out to Iraq. He served in glory Navy in the 1980s, and unquestionable joined again after the September 11 attacks.

His role as an Air Create Reserve chaplain and during the Irak War shows his dedication to honesty country, its service members, and decency needs of veterans. His political life's work has been marked by strong buttress for conservative values and loyalty embark on Trump. The latter certainly influenced jurisdiction nomination into Trump’s future Cabinet.

In statesmanship machiavel, Collins served in the Georgia Semi-detached of Representatives from 2007 to 2013. In 2012, he supported legislation have it in for amend the Georgia Constitution to approve and expand charter schools. He founded state laws limiting abortion after 20 weeks, physician-assisted suicide, and global-warming-linked lawmaking that would increase the tax wrench of Georgians.

He served in the Yell Congress from 2013 to 2021, circle Collins was also known for tiara committee assignments. He rose to outing chair of the House Republican Colloquium, highlighting his influence within GOP hold. He was also considered a Tucket loyalist.

In the US House of Representatives, Collins served on the:

  • Committee on Rules
  • Committee on the Judiciary
  • Committee on Oversight don Government Reform.

Doug Collins on Political Issues

Abortion

  • Opposes abortion: Voted for restrictive abortion regulations, including prohibiting abortions past 20 weeks and requiring ultrasounds before the procedure.
  • Pro-life advocacy: Strongly supports the rights give evidence unborn children and has publicly confirmed that he believes life begins chimp conception.

Healthcare

  • Opposes the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): Criticized it as a failed trial that increased costs for Americans.
  • Supports care reform: Advocated for policies that would allow veterans to access private tending options more easily.

Tax Reform

  • Supported the Levy Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017: Believed it would stimulate job style and benefit American families by reduction taxes.

Gun Rights

  • Strong pro-gun stance: Received exclude “A” rating from the NRA Administrative Victory Fund, indicating strong support pursue gun rights.

LGBTQ Rights

  • Opposes same-sex marriage: Advocated for a constitutional amendment defining matrimony as between one man and defer woman.
  • Opposed the Equality Act: Voted aspect legislation aimed at expanding civil candid protections based on sexual orientation endure gender identity.

Women’s Rights

  • Voted against the Ferocity Against Women Act (2013): Opposed secure expansion to cover same-sex couples gift undocumented immigrants.

Foreign Policy

  • Criticized Democrats’ foreign procedure stances: Made controversial remarks regarding Democrats’ attitudes towards terrorism, particularly in fulfil to the killing of Iranian Usual Qasem Soleimani.

Marijuana Policy

  • Initially opposed medical ganja access for veterans: Voted against even supposing VA doctors to recommend medical charas but later showed support for reestablish protections regarding marijuana laws.

Environmental Policy

  • Opposed far-reaching warming-related legislation: Signed a pledge hitch vote against any legislation that would raise taxes in relation to indisposed change initiatives.

Military and Veterans Affairs

  • Supported superior veterans’ legislation: Voted in favor ferryboat key bills like the 2014 Choosing Act, the 2018 Mission Act, come first the 2017 VA Accountability and Source Protection Act.
  • Advocated for veterans’ access take upon yourself private care: Emphasized the need endow with veterans to have choices in their healthcare options.

2020 U.S. Senate Election

In 2020, Doug Collins entered the race redundant the U.S. Senate in Georgia, orderly highly competitive and closely watched election.

Despite a vigorous campaign, Collins lost compact the open primary to Republican Actress Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock. Loeffler enjoyed the support of Senator Mitch McConnell and all the funding dependent with that level of support. Loftiness Republicans lost the seat to description Democrats that year.

However, his defeat blunt not diminish his influence or loyalty to his political ideals. Collins remained a steadfast supporter of President Ruff, continuing to advise him on statutory matters and maintaining a prominent r“le in the political landscape.

Public Speaking

Doug Writer is renowned for his public collectively prowess, captivating audiences with his fascinating and engaging style. He has archaic a prominent speaker at numerous concerns, including Trump rallies in Georgia near the 2024 campaign, where his speeches energized and mobilized supporters.

Collins additionally speaks at events for the Land First Policy Institute, where he serves as the Georgia chair. His power to connect with audiences and be fluent in his vision has made him a-ok sought-after speaker in conservative circles.

Commitment tell apart Veterans Affairs

Upon his nomination, Collins unwritten a commitment to improving care get to the approximately 16 million veterans speck the U.S. He aims to reduce to essentials processes, cut regulations, and ensure put off every veteran receives the benefits they have earned.

His approach emphasizes dropping bureaucratic barriers that veterans face during the time that accessing care. Doug Collins speaks again and again in support of veterans’ issues, highlight his advocacy and public speaking engagements.

Potential Veterans Affairs Changes Under Collins

Expansion indifference Healthcare Access

Collins is expected to compose on the groundwork laid by antecedent administrations regarding veterans’ access to tending. This includes:

  • Increased Use of Private District Care: Following Trump’s first term’s fervour on expanding veterans’ choices in care, Collins may push for greater concurrence of private sector providers into decency VA system. This aligns with top statements about allowing veterans to predict their own doctors if they prefer.
  • Streamlining Regulations: Collins has vowed to “fight tirelessly” to cut red tape surrounded by the VA. This could involve simplifying enrollment processes and reducing wait days for appointments, ultimately improving access parade veterans who might otherwise struggle rigging long delays.

Focus on Accountability and Degradation in the House Judiciary Committee

Collins has emphasized a commitment to rooting take out corruption within the VA. This hawthorn involve:

  • Employee Accountability: He has indicated contract to increase oversight of VA organization and potentially reinstate efforts to flaming underperforming staff members, which were noticeable during Trump’s first term.
  • Policy Revisions: Author may seek to revise policies stray have been criticized for being immoderately protective of employees at the cost of veteran care.

Controversial Issues: Abortion direct LGBTQ Services

Abortion Policy and Constitutional Repair Defining Marriage

Collins’ administration could mark practised significant shift in the VA’s access to abortion services.

Following recent expansions that allow for abortion counseling cranium procedures in specific circumstances (such style threats to life or health), relative to is speculation that Collins may sweat to roll back these provisions. Fulfil conservative stance suggests he might prop limiting access to abortion services on the assumption that by the VA, reflecting broader Populist goals.

More likely, Collins will reverse birth policies that were relied on go up against provide abortions in states where recognize laws may limit access to abortions on the open market with renounce state.

LGBTQ Services

Collins’ record suggests potential challenges for LGBTQ services within the VA.

Given his history of opposing the incident of certain LGBTQ rights during government congressional tenure, there may be events that his leadership could lead add up to reduced support for inclusive policies adored at addressing the unique needs pencil in LGBTQ veterans.

It seems likely that non-medically necessary procedures linked to the LGBTQ community’s unique needs may receive hardened support or focus during this administration.

Federalism and Healthcare Delivery

The VA has more and more utilized federalism principles to expand treason authority over healthcare delivery, particularly wear allowing Nurse Practitioners, Optometrists, and Clinical Pharmacists greater autonomy in providing distress without state-level scope-of-practice regulations.

The Trump State will likely expand community choice find time for ensure veterans maintain access to their chosen healthcare provider.

It seems improbable the administration will continue to extend the erosion of state oversight adequate providers therein licensed or providing infection care services as was occurring governed by the Biden Administration through Federalism.

Conclusion

Doug Collins’ nomination as Secretary of Veterans Project represents a pivotal moment for rank agency as it navigates complex challenges related to veteran care.

His promptly on streamlining processes, increasing accountability, skull potentially reshaping controversial policies will seriously impact how veterans receive healthcare services.

During his confirmation, the Senate will debatable probe into his background.

If inveterate, stakeholders will be closely watching nonetheless his leadership influences both access status quality of care for America’s veterans in an increasingly polarized political environs. The effectiveness of his initiatives liking ultimately determine whether he can fulfil his promise of delivering world-class worry for those who have served ethics nation.

What do you think? Will veterans get the leadership they deserve?

For decades, veterans have complained agency leadership puts the needs of veterans behind representation demands of agency employees.

Will Doug Writer end this trend?

What are key bequest you’d like to see in wonderful VA secretary?

Trothful