SR245: SR245 Collins, Doug; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a law that changes anyone's rights or obligations. It recognizes Doug Collins, who grew up in the Gainesville area, served in the Georgia House and then the U.S. House representing Georgia's 9th Congressional District, and later became a chaplain and Colonel in the Air Force Reserves with service in Iraq. The resolution highlights his role in passing the federal First Step Act on criminal justice reform and his work on veterans' health care and mental health services. It formally congratulates him on being nominated and confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally commends Doug Collins by name for his nomination and Senate confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
• Recites his biography, military service, and legislative record as the basis for the Senate's praise.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change; it is a statement of praise rather than an operative statute.

The resolution directly names Doug Collins. It has no legal effect on the public, but it reflects the Georgia Senate's view on a federal appointee connected to Georgia, particularly relevant to veterans and military families who interact with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or agency operations in Georgia. Its significance is symbolic: it records the Georgia Senate's formal recognition of a Georgia native's rise to a top federal post overseeing veterans' affairs.

• The whereas clauses describe Collins's education, military career, time in the Georgia House and U.S. House, and legislative record, including work on the First Step Act.
• The resolved clause commends Collins on his nomination to the Department of Veterans Affairs and wishes him well in his continued service.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-18Senate Passed/Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-18Senate Third Read (Senate)
3. 2025-03-04Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
4. 2025-03-03Senate Committee Favorably Reported (Senate)
5. 2025-02-24Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
6. 2025-02-21Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)Primary sponsor
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)

1. PassedSenate voteMarch 18, 2025

   37 yea, 10 nay (4 not voting, 5 absent)

   Adoption: Senate Vote #243

• veterans affairs
• commendation resolution
• Doug Collins
• Georgia Senate