Washington, D.C. — Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins faced sharp questioning Wednesday from House Democrats over his public comments about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.
During a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) asked Collins whether he would correct fellow cabinet officials who labeled Pretti a “terrorist.” Collins declined to answer directly, stating that the matter remains under investigation and that the VA is not involved in that inquiry.
The exchange occurred as Collins testified about a proposed restructuring of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which serves roughly nine million veterans nationwide. Lawmakers cited reports that the agency has lost more than 30,000 employees during the current administration, including medical staff, and questioned whether the department is shifting toward privatized care. Collins disputed that characterization, saying the effort is aimed at improving service delivery.
Democrats also pressed Collins on the department’s handling of veterans’ benefits and deportations involving non-citizen veterans. Some Republican members expressed concern about whether Congress had received sufficient details regarding any reorganization plan.
Collins offered condolences to Pretti’s family but declined further comment on the shooting.
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