As Congress faces a need for action on the debt ceiling, which concerns actions the federal government can take to deal with previously approved spending, Republicans have evidently introduced a plan for spending for the next fiscal year that would force drastic cuts from what are evidently the currently operative spending levels for offices and programs across the federal government.
These cuts would impact veterans. Estimating a cut in funding for key support for veterans reaching 22 percent, the negative impacts could be felt in areas as wide-ranging as virtual health services and national cemeteries! Per details shared by Shalanda Young, who leads the federal entity known as the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Republicans’ initiative — which it seems has support from Kevin McCarthy — would force these cuts through pushing discretionary spending back to 2022 levels and maintaining defense spending, meaning the cuts would have to come from somewhere. That “somewhere” would mean close to everything else.
“Cutting funding by 22 percent would mean 30 million fewer veteran outpatient visits, and 81,000 jobs lost across the Veterans Health Administration—leaving veterans unable to get appointments for care including wellness visits, cancer screenings, mental health services, and substance use disorder treatment,” Young said. These developments, which seem unlikely to take shape for now since Biden still holds the White House and Democrats lead the Senate, would materialize as veterans’ pursuits of medical care are increasing in number, at least in the context of the expansion recently approved for opportunities for help for veterans who were exposed to certain toxic substances. Democrats have largely stuck to trying to accomplish what’s needed on the debt ceiling without accompanying legislative ambitions made a bargaining chip or otherwise attached.
VoteVets, which is a liberal organization focusing on veterans’ issues, also spoke out. “House Republicans are nothing but hypocrites for claiming to support us while cutting our benefits,” a Monday post said. “It’s UNACCEPTABLE to offer thanks for our service then proceed to gut our care. We demand more than just empty words!”
“It’s evident which party supports our Veterans and which one doesn’t,” another VoteVets post said. “The proposed House Republican budget includes a staggering 22% cut to Veteran care, which is a blatant insult to those who have selflessly served our country.”
Young’s recent comments also recapped some of the other damaging impacts that could be seen should Republicans’ plan be put into motion, like slashes to food purchasing assistance for families nationwide and housing assistance for many Americans. An agreement on action to address debt ceiling needs is evidently necessary by June.
House Republicans are nothing but hypocrites for claiming to support us while cutting our benefits. It's UNACCEPTABLE to offer thanks for our service then proceed to gut our care. We demand more than just empty words! #HandsOffVeteransCare
— VoteVets (@votevets) April 24, 2023
It's evident which party supports our Veterans and which one doesn't. The proposed House Republican budget includes a staggering 22% cut to Veteran care, which is a blatant insult to those who have selflessly served our country. #HandsOffVeteransCare pic.twitter.com/IS8lnrSFhj
— VoteVets (@votevets) April 24, 2023
