WASHINGTON 

The US Senate approved the nomination Tuesday of Doug Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.

President Donald Trump's pick was confirmed in a 77-23 vote.

Collins vowed in his confirmation hearing last month to put his military service front and center should he lead the agency.

"I'm gonna take care of the veterans. That means that we're not gonna balance budgets on the back of veterans benefits," said the former Republican congressman from the state of Georgia.