Senate Committees Move Forward with Trump’s Nominees for VA Secretary and EPA Administrator

January 23, 2025 TruthUSA

On January 23, Senate panels moved forward with President Donald Trump’s choices for managing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Former Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.), chosen by Trump to lead the VA, received bipartisan support from the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee on Thursday, the day after his testimony.

In a mostly party-line decision, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 11-8 to send Trump’s EPA secretary nominee, former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), to the Senate for a full vote. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) was the only Democrat who crossed party lines to support Zeldin’s nomination.

Collins Pledges Commitment to Veterans

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) expressed his support for Collins’s nomination and appreciated his openness during the committee hearing.

“I value his first-hand experience and the diverse perspectives he brings as a veteran, military chaplain, lawyer, and legislator,” Moran stated.

“I believe collaboration with the new secretary can lead to enhancements in the lives of veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.”

Ranking member Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) also endorsed advancing Collins’s nomination, albeit with reservations regarding Trump’s proposed hiring freeze at the VA.

“I hope he turns out to be the advocate we truly need in this time of unprecedented challenges—financially and in the pressure to reduce costs that may harm veterans,” Blumenthal remarked.

“I’m eager to collaborate with him and advocate for improved services for veterans in Connecticut and nationwide.”

Collins testified before the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee on January 21 after his initial hearing was postponed to allow the FBI to finalize his background investigation.

He pointed out the health risks faced by many veterans, particularly those related to toxin exposure and burn pits in combat zones.

“As a veteran of the Iraq war, I have experienced burn pits firsthand, having slept next to one for several months. I understand the ongoing challenges faced by this generation of veterans, who have been deployed repeatedly,” Collins explained.

Despite Trump’s calls for budget cuts across federal agencies, Collins affirmed his commitment to prioritizing the care of veterans over any financial constraints.

“We will not balance budgets at the expense of veterans’ benefits. Our priority will be the well-being of veterans,” Collins declared to the committee.

Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) emphasized the importance of holding Collins accountable to his pledge to protect veterans’ interests against budget cuts.

“Reducing the number of care coordinators in a healthcare system can severely disrupt the integrated care veterans need,” she cautioned.

Collins would assume his role as VA secretary backed by years of experience as a military chaplain. After a brief time in the U.S. Navy, Collins returned to the Air Force Reserve, where he was deployed to Iraq in 2008. He currently serves as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve and continues his role as a chaplain.

He also served Georgia’s Ninth Congressional District from 2013 to 2021 before an unsuccessful bid for a Senate seat in Georgia in 2020, where he faced off against then-Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock and Republican Kelly Loeffler for the seat left vacant by Johnny Isakson’s resignation due to health issues. Warnock ultimately won in the runoff election.

Zeldin Addresses Senate for EPA Position

Zeldin answered queries during the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee meeting on January 16, where he committed to combining American innovation with effective conservation and environmental stewardship.

“We need to ensure that environmental protection goes hand in hand with economic growth,” Zeldin remarked.

He cited his bipartisan work to safeguard the Long Island Sound during his time in Congress.

“The American public requires leaders who can collaborate and reach consensus to tackle the urgent challenges ahead,” Zeldin noted.

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) referenced research concerning the health risks of microplastics and nanoplastics, especially relating to human fertility. Zeldin recognized the importance of these issues to Merkley.

“I look forward to the chance to examine the specific points you have mentioned, so I can fully understand the details you’re referring to,” Zeldin replied.

He also confirmed to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) his belief that climate change is a reality and acknowledged the urgency of addressing it, responding to Sanders’s inquiry regarding its status as an “existential threat” to humanity.

“We must urgently confront these challenges,” Zeldin affirmed, emphasizing that he would advocate for stringent environmental policies internationally.

Zeldin also recognized the connection between greenhouse gas emissions and increased ocean temperatures.

“That is what the scientists convey to me,” he stated.

Zeldin served as the representative of New York’s First Congressional District from 2015 to 2023 and ran for governor of New York in 2022, winning the GOP primary but eventually losing to Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Reports contributed by Ryan Morgan, Nathan Worcester, and Zachary Stieber.

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