Rep. Mike Levin Speaks on House Floor in Opposition to the Default on America Act
Extreme Legislation Will Devastate Veterans Benefits and Programs Everyday Americans Rely On
Washington, D.C. – Last night, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to House Republicans’ Default on America Act, which would force a 22 percent cut to non-defense spending that would slash $30 billion dollars from veterans’ services. Republicans in Congress want to allow a national debt default unless their demands are met to slash veterans’ benefits, Social Security and Medicare.
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Rep. Mike Levin:
M. Speaker, I rise in sadness that the legislation before us could do irreparable harm to our nation’s veterans.
This bill would force a 22 percent cut to non-defense spending. That would slash $30 billion dollars from veterans’ services.
That means 30 million fewer healthcare visits, fewer staff, an increased claims backlog, and longer wait times for benefits.
That’s the uncertainty that awaits veterans, should this bill succeed.
Just last month, during a committee hearing, my Republican colleagues assured they didn’t want to reduce services for veterans.
So, I was troubled to learn this bill fails to protect veterans from its cuts.
Yesterday, 24 veteran and military service organizations sent a letter urging Congress not to pass this legislation.
I am dismayed that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are prepared to force a default and devastate our economy if we don’t go along with it.
Please don’t do this. Don’t hold our veterans hostage.
I yield back.
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