(The Center Square) – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins laid out his plans for the nation’s largest integrated health system Wednesday, a day after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Collins, a 58-year-old Iraq war veteran, as the new Department of Veterans Affairs secretary by a 77-23 vote on Tuesday.
“America is the greatest nation on Earth precisely because of the Veterans willing to step forward and defend our freedom. I’ve witnessed this firsthand throughout my two decades in the military, as I’ve served with some of the finest men and women our nation has to offer,” Collins said in first formal statement. “In addition to being a Navy Veteran, I am an Air Force Reserve colonel and chaplain. During my time in the military, I’ve learned that leadership is about listening, serving, motivating and setting a good example for those around you. That is the approach I will bring to the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Collins said Trump gave him simple instructions: “take great care of America’s Veterans.”
Collins detailed his plans for accomplishing that mission:
We’re going to deliver timely access to care and benefits for every eligible Veteran, family member, caregiver and survivor.We’re going to put Veterans at the center of everything VA does, focusing relentlessly on customer service and convenience.We’re going to challenge the status quo in order to find new and better ways of helping VA beneficiaries.We’re going to celebrate the vast majority of VA employees who do a great job every day and hold employees accountable when they fall short of the mission.We’re going to provide Veterans with the health care choices they have earned while maintaining and improving VA’s direct health care capabilities.And we’re going to do a better job reaching Veterans at risk of homelessness or suicide – especially those who have had no contact with VA.
“My commitment to my fellow servicemembers and Veterans will serve as my compass for the way ahead, and I am honored to be working with the men and women of VA to accomplish our noble and vital mission,” Collins said. “Together, we will strengthen VA so it works better for America’s heroes. Let’s get to work.”
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced its return-to office policies, a move expected to affect one-fifth of the agency’s 479,000 employees. The new VA policy states eligible employees must work full time at their worksites unless “excused due to a disability, qualifying medical condition or other compelling reason.” The announcement came after President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 presidential order on return to in-person work. More than 20% of the VA’s more than 479,000 employees have telework or remote work arrangements, according to the agency.
All non-union workers within 50 miles of an agency facility will lose remote work and telework arrangements by April 28. Those who live further than 50 miles will be able to continue remote work and telework arrangements until further guidance.
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., providing care at 1,380 health care facilities, including 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,193 outpatient sites to more than 9.1 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program.
