SR 245: Collins, Doug; commend

This is a commendation resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Doug Collins, who represented Georgia's 9th Congressional District and previously served in the Georgia House. The resolution recounts his education, military service in the Air Force Reserves as a chaplain deployed to Iraq, his legislative record including the bipartisan First Step Act on criminal justice reform, and his role as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. The resolution formally commends Collins on his nomination by President Trump and confirmation by the United States Senate to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press. It does not change any Georgia law; it is a ceremonial statement of praise and best wishes.

• Formally commends Doug Collins on his nomination and confirmation as United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
• Recites biographical details about Collins including his education, military service, and time representing Georgia in the state House and U.S. Congress.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.
• Creates no new law, funding, or penalties, since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia statutes.

The resolution directly names and honors Doug Collins. It also reflects on constituents of Georgia's former 9th Congressional District and North Georgia, veterans and military families referenced in his legislative record, and the Georgia Senate itself as the body issuing the commendation.

The resolution has no legal effect and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic: it places the Georgia Senate on record praising a Georgia native's rise to a federal cabinet position overseeing veterans' healthcare and benefits nationwide.

• The whereas clauses detail Collins's education, military service in the Air Force Reserves, Iraq deployment as a chaplain, and prior political roles in the Georgia House and U.S. House.
• The resolved clause formally commends Collins upon 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 distribute copies of the resolution 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-51)Primary sponsor
• Drew Echols (R, SD-49)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-31)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-50)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-1)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-21)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-4)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-6)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-11)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-30)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-3)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-19)
• Rick Williams (R, SD-25)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-42)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-27)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-29)
• John Albers (R, SD-56)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-13)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-46)
• Max Burns (R, SD-23)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-52)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-54)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-24)
• John F. Kennedy (R, SD-18)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-32)

1. PassedSenate voteMarch 18, 2025

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

   ADOPTION: Senate Vote #243

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