Doug Collins

VA Secretary Doug Collins and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna discussed psychedelic drug treatments for veterans with PTSD. An executive order by President Trump aims to accelerate psychedelic therapy research, and a VA clinical trial found psilocybin-assisted therapy reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans.

President Donald Trump is launching the Freedom Haulers initiative to expand pathways for military veterans to obtain commercial driver’s licenses while intensifying efforts to remove illegal immigrant and non-English-speaking truckers from U.S. highways. The initiative includes partnerships with the Departments of Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Labor, as well as states like Indiana and Wyoming, and involves removing over 24,000 commercial driver's licenses under stricter enforcement.

President Trump is launching the Freedom Haulers initiative to recruit military veterans into the trucking industry by expanding eligibility for expedited commercial driver's licenses and offering training. The initiative coincides with stricter enforcement against non-English-speaking and improperly licensed commercial drivers, including the removal of over 24,000 licenses under heightened English-language requirements.

White House officials and House GOP leaders are frustrated with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins after he undermined a veterans benefits bill, which was removed from the House floor due to Republican concerns over funding. The failure disrupted legislative plans and caused backlash, with Collins accused of inadequate communication and conflicting guidance on VA policies.

U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett and VA Secretary Doug Collins met with veterans in Eaton Rapids to discuss improving VA services, including the transition to an electronic health record system. Collins highlighted efforts to standardize VA policies, and Barrett noted challenges with record access for veterans. The visit also included presenting new awards to Vietnam War veteran Robert Haywood after his originals were stolen.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins testifies before a Senate committee on President Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget request for the Veterans Affairs Department, seeking $144 billion in discretionary funding. The focus is on military housing, health care for veterans, and combating homelessness. The hearing is being held by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.