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Ranking Member Bost Slams Democrats' Disregard for Afghanistan Crisis, Irresponsible Spending

Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the Committee’s markup of the Democrats’ partisan reconciliation package containing $18 billion dollars for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

“House Democrats’ blatant disregard for the crisis the Biden White House created in Afghanistan and the impact that crisis is having on veterans and Gold Star Families was on full display this afternoon,” said Ranking Member Bost. “Today they signed off on a blank check to VA to the tune of $18 billion with virtually no strings attached. That $18 billion is on top of the unprecedented level of funding VA has received in the last 18 months and has yet to spend. At the same time, House Democrats voted against Republican amendments to help veterans struggling because of the events in Afghanistan, help toxic-exposed veterans, help student veterans, help veterans at-risk of suicide, and increase accountability in VA. Their actions are a slap in the face to all those who have served and all those who pay taxes. My fellow Republicans and I will continue to do everything we can to support veterans in need, make smart investments in VA infrastructure, and save taxpayer dollars. I hope someday Democrats in D.C. will join us.”

To watch Ranking Member Bost’s opening remarks during today’s markup, click here.

To learn more about this partisan package and the amendments Republicans offered, click here.
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