Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on H.R. 8580- Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement:

“Extreme Republicans are happy to starve the Department of Veterans’ Affairs because a healthy VA is committed to providing robust social services, health care, education, and housing for ALL. 

But there are Members of Congress who believe in politics of exclusion. They believe some members of our communities should not have equitable access to social services, health care, education, and housing. They are even happy to exclude servicemembers, veterans, and their families from the promise of stability and care if they are LGBTQIA+, undocumented, or women. 

H.R. 8580 would cut the VA by $6 billion relative to the FY24 enacted level, would bar funds to critical reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare, deny veterans’ families from receiving services if they are undocumented, and attack vulnerable communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. 

We cannot support veterans until we legislate and pass a budget that fully recognizes and acknowledges ALL veterans, ALL military families, from ALL experiences, and ALL walks of life.  That is why I voted NO on H.R. 8580.”