Amata Welcomes the Nomination of Former Colleague Rep. Doug Collins to Lead VA

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is welcoming the announcement that President-elect Trump will nominate former Congressman Doug Collins, a friend and former colleague, to lead the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA).

US Capitol pictured on Monday afternoon

"I am happy to welcome the nomination of Rep. Doug Collins to be Secretary of the VA," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "He is a Veteran, a friend and former colleague, and a man of faith. I look forward to working with him in Congress to strengthen the programs that deliver services to our Veterans. Leading the VA is a big job with challenges, and I appreciate his willingness take on this effort with a heart for our Veterans. Thank you also to departing Secretary Denis McDonough for his service over the past four years."

Former Congressman Collins of Georgia served in the U.S. Navy as a Navy Chaplain. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he rejoined the military and for the years since has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command as Chaplain, now with the rank of Colonel. In 2008, he was deployed to Iraq.

A former pastor of a church, and former state representative and state senator, he was elected to Congress in 2012 serving four terms. He has an extensive and varied education, including both a law degree and a Master of Divinity degree.

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