Doug
Collins
REPUBLICAN
Georgia
Appointed Position:
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Overview
Since leaving Congress, Collins has worked as a lawyer at the Weidner Law Firm, a lobbyist, and a speaker for Newsmax. Each of these revenue sources raise questions about potential Collins’ conflicts of interest.
The Facts
The Weidner Law Firm represents Microsoft, which has several key contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes a contract to provide broadband internet connectivity to underserved rural veterans’ communities and a partnership with the Veterans Health Administration to provide interactive remote care for veterans.
The Collins-Microsoft runs deep. During his time in Congress, Microsoft was one of Collins’ biggest supporters, contributing over $40,000 to his campaigns for office.
Collins lobbied for the Council for Innovation Promotion, a Big Pharma-aligned organization. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which Collins will lead, is one of the nation’s largest drug purchasers.
According to his most recent financial disclosure, Collins has been employed by Newsmax Media as a contributor since January 2023 and has made $18,000 from his work for the company.
While at the Weidner law firm, did Collins do any work for Microsoft Inc.?
Does Collins maintain contacts with the Council for Innovation Promotion?
Questions to Track