Debt Ceiling Crisis Impact on Veterans

Floor Speech

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Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to House Republicans holding our economy hostage and planning to slash billions of dollars from veterans' services and benefits in return for maintaining the full faith and credit of the United States.

Republicans are delivering a one-two punch to veterans. First, their default on America act would slash $30 billion from veterans' services, eliminate housing vouchers for 50,000 homeless veterans, and cut 81,000 jobs from the Veterans Health Administration. They can say whatever they want, but this is what they voted for.

Second, Republicans just released a bill to gut the healthcare funding we promised to toxic-exposed veterans in the PACT Act.

How about instead of cuts to veterans' services and benefits, we reduce our deficit by ending tax loopholes for the ultra wealthy and by ensuring the largest corporations pay their fair share?

House Democrats are united in opposition to Republicans' veteran funding cuts, and we will not go back on the progress we have made.

As we all head into this Memorial Day weekend, we must do better. We must not default on our debts. Let's keep our promises to our veterans.

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