Former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins received an 18-1 vote from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to advance his nomination as VA secretary. Key Concerns Raised: Sen. Mazie Hirono opposed Collins over fears he might overturn a Biden-era rule allowing certain abortion services through the VA.

Former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins was back before members of the U.S. Senate for the next step in the confirmation process to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans affairs secretary nominee Doug Collins pledged to be a fierce defender of the department’s workforce and for veterans during his senate confirmation hearing. The former Georgia congressman testified before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Tuesday after President Donald Trump picked him to lead the agency.