Veterans Affairs Secretary Discusses Shift in Funding to Migrant Services

Blue VA US Department of Veterans Affairs sign

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reveals VA resources meant for veteran healthcare were diverted to assist illegal migrants, sparking controversy and raising questions about the department’s priorities.

Key Takeaways

VA Secretary Collins confirmed that resources were diverted from veteran care to process health applications for illegal migrants.
Collins vowed to halt this misallocation of resources and refocus on veteran care.
The VA Secretary clarified that illegal migrants were not receiving medical procedures at VA hospitals.
Collins described the VA as a “broken” system that negatively impacts veterans.
The Secretary emphasized that veterans’ benefits are secure and being improved, despite concerns about potential cuts.

VA Resources Diverted from Veterans to Migrants

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins has confirmed that resources intended for veteran healthcare were diverted to assist illegal migrants with health care applications. This disclosure came during an interview with Andrew Wilkow on SiriusXM Patriot, where Collins detailed the misallocation of VA manpower.

Collins, who took office with the mission to address longstanding issues within the department, expressed his commitment to reversing this trend. He stated unequivocally that the diversion of resources from veteran care would be halted, emphasizing the need to prioritize those who have served our nation.

INSANE: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins confirmed that the Biden administration’s VA diverted “manpower” away from Veteran Care to help illegal aliens obtain health care. pic.twitter.com/QfwplYGgmm

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) February 19, 2025

Clarifying the Extent of Resource Diversion

While the news of resource diversion has raised concerns, Secretary Collins provided some clarification on the extent of the issue. He assured the public that illegal migrants were not receiving medical procedures at VA hospitals. Instead, the misallocation primarily involved VA manpower being used to process health applications for migrants.

“I think what we’ve found…not maybe much invested, but — We actually took time away from what I’ll call Veteran Care to process health applications and stuff, is what we’ve seemed to find, and we’re still looking into this. That’s going to stop.” Doug Collins’ statement underscores the his commitment to redirecting all available resources back to their intended purpose of serving veterans. The discovery of this misallocation has prompted a thorough review of VA operations and resource management.

Addressing Concerns and Charting a New Course

Secretary Collins, who was confirmed with a bipartisan Senate vote of 77 to 23, has been vocal about the challenges facing the VA. He described the department as a “broken” system that negatively impacts veterans, signaling his intent to implement significant reforms.

In response to concerns about potential cuts to veterans’ benefits, Collins has been adamant that no such cuts are happening. He emphasized that veterans’ benefits are not only secure but are being improved. The Veterans Benefits Administration is reportedly processing cases more quickly than before, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing service delivery.

Looking Ahead: Transparency and Commitment

Secretary Collins has pledged ongoing transparency regarding developments at the VA. He expressed willingness to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate unnecessary expenses and redirect funds to veterans’ services. This approach aims to ensure that every dollar allocated to the VA is used effectively for the benefit of veterans.

As the VA moves forward under Secretary Collins’ leadership, the focus remains firmly on fulfilling the department’s mission to serve and honor America’s veterans. The commitment to reversing the resource diversion and improving overall VA operations signals a potential turning point for the department, with veterans’ needs at the forefront of all decisions and actions.