Cong. Christopher R. Deluzio | Official U.S. House headshot
Cong. Christopher R. Deluzio | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C.— On May 16, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) Vice Ranking Member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee unveiled their Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill today:
“While I was in a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee hearing on PACT Act implementation today, Republicans released their plan to underfund the PACT Act’s fund for toxic-exposed veterans by $14.7 billion. Another broken promise. Add it to the list.
“Republicans funded only $5.5 billion or 27% of the President’s budget request for $20.3 billion for toxic-exposed veterans. This $14.7 billion shortfall will likely force the Department of Veterans Affairs to rob funds from other veteran programs to fully serve veterans eligible for care under the PACT Act.
“Many of the Republicans who voted against the PACT Act last year had no problem voting to send me and so many other Americans off to serve in Iraq. But now that we need healthcare back home, House Republicans want free rein to shortchange funding for veterans as part of their broader plan to hold the economy hostage and protect tax cuts for billionaires and huge corporations. This is exactly what Pat Toomey and his allies wanted when they tried—and failed—last year to block the PACT Act from becoming law. Providing veterans their earned healthcare and services should be part of a sacred promise, not a bargaining chip.
“The American public should know that House Republicans are underfunding care for my fellow burn-pit exposed veterans to the tune of $14.7 billion. This latest move adds insult to injury after they voted to claw back $2 billion from the VA in their “Default on America Act.” They could have included protections for veterans in their bill; they refused. It’s a disgrace, and I will fight against proposals like this every step of the way.”
HVAC Ranking Member Takano and the House Democrats Appropriations Committee also released statements with their responses and more information. The Republican 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill will be up for consideration in the subcommittee tomorrow, Wednesday May 17th.
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Original source can be found here.
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