In a significant development, Doug Collins, nominated by former President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has made clear his stance on prioritizing veterans' healthcare over migrant support. During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Collins vowed to investigate and halt any diversion of VA resources intended for veterans towards illegal migrants. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of bringing VA employees back to full-time office work, aligning with Trump's recent executive order.

Prioritizing Veterans' Healthcare Over Migrant Support

Collins addressed concerns raised by several senators regarding the potential misuse of VA resources. He committed to thoroughly investigating reports that the VA had been providing healthcare to illegal migrants detained at the southern border. This issue has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that such actions divert critical resources away from veterans who need them most. Collins firmly stated that any funds allocated for veterans should remain dedicated solely to their care and not be diverted for other purposes.

During the hearing, Collins responded to questions from Senator Tommy Tuberville about the VA’s involvement in migrant healthcare. He assured the committee that he would immediately look into the matter if confirmed. Collins expressed his belief that using VA funds for non-veteran healthcare is unacceptable and pledged to ensure that all appropriated money remains focused on veteran welfare. The VA’s primary mission is to provide top-notch healthcare and services to those who have served the nation, and Collins intends to uphold this commitment.

Emphasizing Full-Time Office Work for VA Employees

Beyond addressing the allocation of healthcare resources, Collins also highlighted the importance of returning VA employees to full-time office work. He stressed that the presence of staff in the office is crucial for delivering efficient and effective services to veterans. Collins noted that following the president's directive, he would encourage VA employees to return to their physical workplaces to better serve the veteran community.

Collins explained that while remote work has its benefits, it can sometimes hinder the seamless delivery of services that veterans rely on. He emphasized that face-to-face interactions and being physically present are essential for maintaining high standards of service. Collins added that if confirmed, he would ensure that hospital employees and other VA staff show up every day, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to veterans. This move aligns with broader federal policies aimed at bringing employees back to the office, as outlined in President Trump's executive order requiring federal workers to return to full-time office work.