Statement: Republicans Cut Amendment to Expand VA Benefits for Veterans Proposed by Congresswoman Ramirez in NDAA

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after voting NO on harmful GOP amendments to the 2024-2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Republicans refused to make in order my amendments to the NDAA that, if enacted, would ensure that every veteran and their families received the benefits they were promised, independent of immigration status. After years of serving in uniform, it is a policy failure that many veterans are experiencing homelessness, sickness, and hunger without access to the benefits they and their families desperately need. Instead, the amendments passed by the  Republican majority represent the real priorities of the GOP: reward their friends in the for-profit military-industrial complex with $874.2 billion without any accountability while pushing forward their harmful agenda to control our bodies, destroy our environment, and weaponize our shared humanity. Republicans have made it clear that they have decided to leave the veterans of this nation, their families, and our communities behind. That is why I voted NO on these amendments. As someone of faith, as a progressive, I couldn’t vote for legislation that weaponizes my values against the humanity of our neighbors while serving the pockets of for-profit defense contractors who thrive on the suffering of our communities. Ahead of a vote in the House  on the NDAA,  I urge my colleagues to consider what is at stake with this legislation and vote NO!”

Background:

This year, the NDAA would authorize $874.2 billion for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Congresswoman Ramirez introduced a series of amendments that would restore the benefits for veterans who were deported and their families and an all-encompassing solution to restore the GI Bill Benefits for student veterans defrauded by higher education institutions. She also presented an amendment to help address internal threats to our national security, like the white supremacist Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory, which builds on legislation led by Congressman Jamaal Bowman. The Republican-led- House Committee on Armed Services blocked the amendments from being considered. 

The finalized version of the NDAA is expected to be considered on the House Floor tomorrow, Friday, July 14, 2023.