Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins visited San Antonio on Wednesday, touring the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital and speaking at the VFW in Universal City. Collins discussed the potential of a new 1.6 million-square-foot Veterans Affairs hospital in the South Texas Medical Center, which is in the budget for this year with $30 million allocated for land acquisition and planning.

New Hospital and Mental Health Care

Collins also talked about efforts to expand mental health care for veterans, including research into alternative treatments such as psychedelic treatment. He emphasized the importance of taking care of veterans and providing them with the benefits they deserve.

During his visit, Collins also stumped for Trump-endorsed congressional candidate Carlos De La Cruz, warning that Democrats want to cut veterans’ benefits. Collins used his speeches to blame the media for casting doubt on the amount of benefits veterans should receive.

Despite numerous veterans’ efforts in San Antonio, including a new VA hospital and a potential relocation of the Defense Health Agency, Collins did not speak directly to the press. Democrats have also been making a play for veteran voters ahead of the 2026 midterm election, trying to capitalize on an unpopular war with Iran and the Trump Administration’s reductions to the VA’s workforce.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.