Rep. Mike Levin Speaks on House Floor Against Republicans’ Debt Limit Proposal to Cut Veterans’ Benefits & Services
Washington, D.C.- On Thursday, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) spoke forcefully on the Floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to House Republicans’ efforts to hold our economy and veterans hostage in exchange for maintaining the full faith and credit of the United States. The House Republicans’ debt limit proposal, the Default on America Act, would force a 22 percent cut to non-defense spending that would slash $30 billion dollars from veterans’ services. Republicans in Congress would allow a national debt default unless their demands are met to slash veterans’ benefits and other programs that millions of Americans rely upon.
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Rep. Mike Levin:
M. 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 dollars 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, the Republicans just released a bill to gut the health care 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 ultrawealthy and by ensuring the largest corporations pay their fair share.
House Democrats are united in opposition to Republicans’ veterans funding cuts, and we will not go back on the progress we’ve made.
So 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.
Thank you and I yield back.
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