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VA Secretary Collins defends plans to modernize agency
Pushes back on concerns from Democrats about changes to community healthcare and third-party administrators
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins defended his proposal to modernize the VA during a House Veterans Affairs hearing, pushing back on concerns from Democrats that the changes would reduce veterans' access to proper medical care. Collins argued that the new plan would redirect resources away from "amorphous" administrative offices and toward frontline healthcare providers.
Why it matters
The VA has faced longstanding criticism over bureaucracy and inefficiencies, with calls for reform going back over a decade. Collins' proposed changes aim to address these issues, but Democrats on the committee expressed worries that the plan could negatively impact veterans' care.
The details
In January, Collins proposed changes to the VA that would expand community healthcare options and involve more third-party administrators. Democrats on the committee raised concerns that this could lead to the elimination of "redundant" office jobs and prevent veterans from receiving proper medical care. Collins pushed back, saying "We are simply acting on more than a decade of advice from people and organizations who study this for a living and have been calling for change." Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans voiced support for cutting red tape and reducing bureaucracy, noting she had seen VA buildings "filled with people" but was unsure of what they were doing.
- The House Veterans Affairs hearing took place on February 12, 2026.
- Collins presented his proposal to change the VA in January 2026.
The players
Doug Collins
The current Secretary of Veterans Affairs, who is proposing changes to modernize the agency.
Morgan McGarvey
A Democratic Representative from Kentucky who expressed concerns about the lack of clarity around Collins' proposed changes to the VA.
Jen Kiggans
A Republican Representative from Virginia who voiced support for cutting red tape and reducing bureaucracy at the VA.
What they’re saying
“You are going to hear all kinds of scary stories saying this is bad for VA, but I want to emphasize again: We are simply acting on more than a decade of advice from people and organizations who study this for a living and have been calling for change.”
— Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Stars and Stripes)
“I saw buildings filled with people, but I did not know what they were doing. But the physicians and nurses were overwhelmed — those were people we needed more of.”
— Jen Kiggans, Representative from Virginia (wset.com)
What’s next
The House Veterans Affairs committee is expected to hold further hearings and discussions on Secretary Collins' proposed changes to the VA in the coming months.
The takeaway
The VA's ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline its operations remain a contentious issue, with concerns from Democrats about potential impacts on veterans' care balanced against Republican support for reducing bureaucracy. The outcome of these proposed changes will have significant implications for the future of the VA and the services it provides to military veterans.
