Commentary: Big Tent Ideas

DAVID BOSSIE: Doug Collins Is Exactly What The VA Needs

(Screen Capture/CSPAN)

President-elect Donald Trump will continue to fight for and prioritize our heroic military veterans in his second term and his stellar choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs is proof positive of that fact.

Our incoming president’s decision to nominate former Georgia Republican Rep. Doug Collins as the next secretary of Veterans Affairs is welcome news for an agency that remains in dire need of more innovation, reform and much-needed accountability by a talented and determined group of new leaders.

The selection of Collins is not just about filling another cabinet position like it has been to so many other administrations. For the 45^th — and soon-to-be 47^th president — this decision represents an unflinching commitment to our country’s valiant warriors.

Citizens United and I have been vocal supporters of Doug Collins for many years because he is a dedicated and honest public servant who wakes up every morning trying to make life better for the American people.

In this critically important new role, Collins will be able to focus his energy and vast capabilities on our veterans specifically, an enormous benefit to our country and the men and women who serve.

Trump is a no-nonsense businessman and will demand that each and every federal agency fulfills its mission better than ever before or face consequences. Trump and Collins will make it clear to vast bureaucracies like the Department of Veterans Affairs that business as usual is coming to an end.

The incoming Trump administration will demand that the VA get its act together and start operating with precision and professionalism. It is imperative that red tape is cut dramatically to help our wonderful veterans.

Make no mistake about it, federal workers will be held to account if they fail at their jobs, just like everyone else.

To quote Collins: “Our heroes deserve the best care and support. We’ll fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they’ve earned.”

Our veterans deserve world-class health care benefits and the full attention and dedication of the staff at the VA. Trump is resolute in his belief that our patriotic veterans must be prioritized across the board and there must be a government-wide change in mindset in this regard.

There is widespread agreement that Doug Collins is an excellent choice for this significant cabinet position, and he deserves robust bipartisan support. The Senate should confirm Collins without delay.

Collins remains a colonel and chaplain in the Air Force Reserve to this day, is a veteran of the Iraq War, and previously served in the Navy. During his four terms as a member of the House of Representatives, he earned a reputation as a trusted and respected leader and rapidly rose in seniority to become the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee.

Throughout his tenure in both the Georgia House of Representatives and Congress, Collins was a tireless advocate for veterans and our military.

Trump’s mantra regarding our courageous veterans has always been “we must take care of our men and women in uniform,” and with Collins as the secretary of Veterans Affairs, this will remain a major focus.

Both Trump and Collins believe deeply that our military is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and our veterans are the reason we all continue to enjoy freedom and constitutional liberties after nearly 250 years. With the inauguration of Trump on January 20, spirit in our military will reach all-time highs and recruitment will begin to soar.

Young men and women considering a career in the military are more likely to serve if they know they will receive not only the best training and equipment, but also top-notch treatment as veterans when their service is through.

Under Collins’ leadership, the Department of Veterans Affairs will build on the major accomplishments secured during Trump’s first term in office, including the Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, the VA Mission Act, and Forever GI Bill.

These three important reforms provided much needed accountability, made health care more accessible and expanded education benefits for veterans. But there is still much more to do; and Trump and Collins are ready to get back to work for our veterans — the greatest among us.

It would send the right signal if Senate Majority Leader John Thune would move the nomination of Collins through the Senate just as quickly as the rest of Trump’s outstanding national security team — on day one.

David Bossie is the president of Citizens United and served as a senior adviser to the Trump-Pence 2020 campaign. In 2016, Bossie served as deputy campaign manager for Donald J. Trump for President and deputy executive director for the Trump-Pence Transition Team.

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.