A year after the Inland Northwest became the testing ground for a new computer system that promised to revolutionize veterans' health care, leaders at the Department of Veterans Affairs had received grave warnings from staff at Spokane's VA hospital and evidence that flaws in the software had contributed to serious patient harm.

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) pressed VA Secretary nominee Doug Collins to prioritize veteran safety as the VA rolls out its new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. She stressed the importance of holding Oracle accountable and working closely with frontline providers to fix past issues and ensure a reliable system for veterans.

White House officials said VA financial assistance programs do not violate rules banning diversity and inclusion efforts.

Former Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a former Air Force Reserve chaplain, a veteran of the Iraq War and says he wants to improve veterans' services.

Doug Collins, President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, pledged to protect veterans benefits from potential funding cuts as PACT Act enrollments and increased emphasis on health care from private doctors drive spending.

Former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins, President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, on Tuesday hinted at an expanded health care delivery system after years of pressure to bring

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, following the White House's withdrawal of an order to pause federal spending.

Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers, according to Sen. Patty Murray's office.

Trump's nominee to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, answered questions about proposed spending cuts, staff shortages and whether the VA would continue to provide abortions.

Both commissioners, who worked for the EEOC, said they are exploring options to challenge their dismissals, calling their removal before the end of their current terms unprecedented.

At his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, former Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Collins vowed to put his military service front and center should he lead Veterans Affairs.

The Trump administration reversed its policy to freeze grants and loans while officials evaluated whether spending met the president's priorities.