Wichita Standard

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal expressed his support for Doug Collins' confirmation as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In a statement, Blumenthal criticized the actions taken by the Trump Administration during its initial days, which he believes have compromised the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) ability to serve veterans effectively.

Blumenthal highlighted several issues, including a hiring freeze at the VA and the dismissal of its top independent watchdog. He emphasized that veterans require a leader who prioritizes their needs amidst pressures to reduce costs and implement potentially harmful policies. According to Blumenthal, Collins has pledged to be a strong advocate for veterans.

"A permanent leader in this role helps ensure we can hold VA accountable to deliver on its sacred obligation," said Blumenthal. He plans to monitor Collins' commitment to bipartisan progress on various priorities such as expanding the PACT Act for toxic-exposed veterans, upgrading VA facilities nationwide, preventing veteran homelessness, and addressing veteran suicide.

During Collins' nomination hearing, Blumenthal urged him to resist policies detrimental to veterans’ health care and benefits delivery. He pointed out that Trump's hiring freeze affected critical positions within the VA, although some exemptions were later made for certain healthcare employees. However, key roles at the Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration remain excluded from these exemptions.

Blumenthal remains focused on ensuring that efforts are made to build trust with veterans rather than undermine it.