Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said the department would conduct a broad review of its organization and operations.

Massive cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs that would have had devastating effects for veterans were paused late Wednesday. Lawmakers and veterans’ organizations protested over concerns that the cuts would have hurt critical veterans’ health services.

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins discusses federal layoffs after touring the Lexington VA Medical Center.

Patty Murray from Washington said that these layoffs included researchers who were working on cancer treatment, opioid addiction, prosthetics and burn pit exposure. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth said Wednesday she is seeking answers about how the layoffs may have affected efforts to prevent suicide through the confidential Veterans Crisis Line.

Collins said the department will conduct a thorough review of its operations and promised that the cuts would not impact “health care or benefits to veterans and VA beneficiaries."

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins is the designated survivor for President Donald Trump‘s speech to a joint session of Congress. Collins, a former congressman from Georgia, was confirmed to Trump’s Cabinet on Feb.

NBA icon Scottie Pippen didn’t enjoy playing for Doug Collins. Collins coached the Chicago Bulls from 1986-87 to 1988-89. Chicago went 137-109 under Collins in the regular season and 13-17 in the playoffs.