President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Veterans Affairs Secretary is now scheduled to appear before the Senate VA Committee on Jan. 21 for his confirmation hearing.
Doug Collins, a former Republican congressman from Georgia, had been expected to discuss his plans to serve the nation’s veterans and their families during testimony before the committee on Jan. 14, but his confirmation hearing has been delayed by a week chairman of the committee Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) announced late Monday afternoon.
"Congressman Doug Collins has submitted all his paperwork in a timely manner and has been transparent and forthcoming with the committee," Moran said in a written statement. "At this time, the FBI has not completed its customary background check of Congressman Collins.
"In accordance with long-standing practice, the committee should have an opportunity to review Congressman Collins' FBI file before the confirmation hearing."
Moran said he expects the FBI to complete its review quickly so "the committee can move forward with its role of evaluating the President's nominee."
Outgoing VA Secretary Denis McDonough told reporters on Jan. 8 that VA is delivering a “world-class” transition to the incoming administration.
“They have the tools they need to hit the ground running on day one, and to make sure they have what they need to deliver for veterans,” he said.
The Trump transition team has made 154 requests to VA for information, McDonough said. Seventy-four of those have been closed with another 80 still pending. McDonough said VA organized its transition team last summer.
“Since the day of the election, we’ve been ready with detailed briefings and memos on every part of VA to help the incoming team,” he said.
McDonough said VA is responding to every question from the Trump team quickly and transparently.
“And we’re sharing everything we know with the transition team — detailed information about VA operations, risks, and opportunities,” he added.
McDonough said the Trump team has been briefed on VA’s budget, staffing, physical infrastructure and on the restart of its new Electronic Health Record.
The Trump team has also been briefed about the VA’s estimated $6 billion shortfall in its health care budget for FY 2025.
“We want the incoming team to understand the implications of that shortfall so that they will be prepared for the budget debate before the current CR [continuing resolution] expires in March,” McDonough said.
Congress passed a $3 billion CR supplemental in September to prevent delays in disability benefits to veterans and their survivors. During McDonough’s press conference, Deputy VA Secretary Tanya Bradsher said operating under a CR is not ideal. McDonough noted that VA has asked Congress for increases in its budget over the past few years, especially since the passage of the PACT Act increased the need for its benefits and services.
”When we’ve needed extra money, we’ve gone to the Hill to explain what it is we need it for, and why it is that we need it,” he said. “And inevitably, we only need the extra funding because this is a veteran-centered organization, meaning we’re going to make every decision based on what the veterans need.”
Also on the table are funding cuts throughout the federal government being discussed by the incoming Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
“In terms of what the next administration chooses to do, those will be their decisions to address,” explained McDonough.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.