The Senate confirmation hearing slated for Tuesday for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, former Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), has been postponed to Jan. 21 — the latest snag for one of Trump’s selections.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Chair Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) said in a statement Monday that Collins has submitted necessary paperwork in a “timely manner” and has been “transparent and forthcoming” with the panel. However, he added, the FBI has not finished its background check of the nominee, who was supposed to have his confirmation hearing on Tuesday morning.
“In accordance with long-standing practice, the committee should have an opportunity to review Congressman Collins’ FBI file before the confirmation hearing,” Moran said. “I expect the FBI to complete its review quickly so that the committee can move forward with its role of evaluating the President’s nominee.”
It’s the second Trump selection in a single day to see their hearing delayed due to paperwork delays. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to run the Interior Department, was the first: He had been slated for a hearing Tuesday, too, but it was bumped to Thursday.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said Sunday in a CBS News interview that director of national intelligence pick Tulsi Gabbard is also having a “paperwork problem.”
Collins, who was the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee before he lost his seat in Congress in a failed bid for the Senate, is expected to be confirmed but could face a number of difficult questions, including over a budget shortfall at the agency and how he plans to handle thorny issues like abortion.
