Washington, D.C., November 18, 2024 – The National Association for Veteran Rights (NAVR) congratulates former Congressman Doug Collins on his nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under President-elect Donald Trump. This marks a pivotal moment for our nation’s Veterans, and NAVR is optimistic about the opportunities for collaboration under Secretary Collins’ leadership.
NAVR President Peter O’Rourke, former Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs, praised the nomination and emphasized the importance of the progress made in the first Trump administration. “Doug Collins brings a unique perspective as a Veteran and an experienced leader. His commitment to streamlining processes and ensuring timely, high-quality care aligns with our championed reforms, including expanding Veteran choice. This is a critical opportunity to strengthen access to care and deliver on the promise our nation has made to those who have served,” O’Rourke said.
Secretary Collins has highlighted the need to reduce unnecessary regulations within the VA while ensuring every Veteran receives the benefits they have earned. His legislative record, including support for the VA MISSION Act, VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, and the Deborah Sampson Act, reflects his dedication to transparency, accountability, and improving service delivery.
“The VA MISSION Act set the stage for greater Veteran choice by expanding access to community care and empowering Veterans to seek the services that best meet their needs,” O’Rourke added. “Building on this foundation, NAVR is committed to working with Secretary Collins to enhance access to trusted, transparent services, drive innovation, preserve Veterans’ choice in accessing services, and uphold the highest standards of care. This will be key to creating a system that empowers Veterans and honors their sacrifices.”
As the VA enters this new era of leadership, NAVR remains steadfast in advocating for solutions that enhance Veterans’ autonomy, safeguard their interests, and modernize the systems they rely on. The association looks forward to working alongside Secretary Collins to achieve these shared goals and ensure a brighter future for America’s Veterans and their families.
About NAVR:
The National Association for Veteran Rights (NAVR) is a national trade association committed to promoting ethical and transparent business practices among companies engaging with the service-disabled Veteran community. NAVR advocates for businesses that empower Veterans with professional and transparent solutions while advancing support for Veteran-owned businesses.
For more information, contact press@navr.org.
