Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Doug Collins
Republican · Georgia
Former U.S. Representative from Georgia (2013–2021) and Air Force Reserve chaplain. Served as House Judiciary ranking member during Trump's first impeachment trial. Key Trump ally confirmed as Veterans Affairs Secretary.
Record
Veterans advocate focused on expanding healthcare access, mental health services, and benefits reform. Supports expanded private care options (MISSION Act). Prioritizes addressing the veteran suicide crisis with new programs and resources.
Legislative Record
Executive orders & directives
- 2026-15210 — Rescission of Outdated Veterans Choice Program Regulations (Department rule, Jul 28, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is rescinding obsolete regulations that were previously implemented for the Veterans Choice Program, which has been replaced by the Veterans Community Care Program as of June 6, 2019. - 2026-13971 — Expansion of VA Process for 72-Hour Notification of Emergency Treatment (Department rule, Jul 10, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, with minor changes, a proposed rule amending its medical regulations to add a new method for veterans, their representatives, and eligible entities or providers to notify VA for the determination of whether emergency treatment can be… - 2026-11973 — Implementing Regulation for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Environmental Effects of the Department of Veterans Affairs Actions (Department rule, Jun 15, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing this interim final rule to amend its agency procedures for implementing the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Since VA last updated its NEPA regulations in 1989, Congress amended NEPA through the Fiscal Responsibility Act… - 2026-11752 — Grants for the Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot; Rescission (Department rule, Jun 11, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is rescinding its regulations that govern the Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot (RVCP) grant program because the statutory authority for this program has expired. Removing these provisions will ensure that VA's regulations accurately reflect current law and… - 2026-03940 — Rescission of Interim Final Rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication (Department rule, Feb 27, 2026)
VA is rescinding the interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication, published on February 17, 2026, and restoring the prior regulatory text. This rescission is effective immediately upon publication. - 2026-03068 — Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication (Department rule, Feb 17, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends 38 CFR 4.10 within the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). This amendment clarifies VA's longstanding interpretation of Sec. 4.10 and, in doing so, amends the text to correct judicial interpretations that VA has concluded misconstrue the role… - 2026-02978 — Home Visits in Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers During COVID-19 National Emergency (Department rule, Feb 13, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is removing a regulation that was adopted to provide temporary flexibility under VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) but is no longer applicable. The regulation relaxed PCAFC requirements for in-person home visits during the… - 2026-01188 — Clarification of VA's Processing of Survivors Benefits Claims (Department rule, Jan 22, 2026)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its adjudication regulations concerning survivors benefits claims to ensure that VA provides the most beneficial outcome for surviving spouses and children. This final rule clarifies that a surviving spouse or child claimant for either Survivors Pension…
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