56 GOP lawmakers slam VA Secretary for debt limit bill statements.

House Republicans Slam VA for “Baseless Political Talking Points”

Letter Criticizes VA’s Criticism of GOP Legislation

A group of House Republicans, led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), has sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, condemning the department’s “dishonest, partisan use” of veterans to spread fear and anxiety about the recently-passed Limit, Save, Grow Act. The letter, signed by 56 House Republicans, fends off the VA’s criticism of the GOP legislation, which would raise the debt ceiling while cutting future spending.

The Republicans argue that the VA’s statement, issued on April 21, “falsely” claimed that the legislation would threaten medical care for 30 million veterans, worsen wait times for hundreds of thousands of veterans and survivors applying for benefits, and fail to honor the memory of all veterans. The letter explains that the intent of the legislation is to set a topline number for the entire federal budget, and that Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Chairwoman for the House Committee on Appropriations Kay Granger, Chairman for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Mike Bost, and others have all stated unequivocally that veterans will be protected, and the VA will be funded.

Republicans estimate that the spending cuts in the legislation would save American taxpayers $4.5 trillion over time, while raising the nation’s $31.4 trillion debt by $1.5 trillion. The GOP lawmakers argue that the VA’s criticism of the legislation is unfounded and that veterans should never be used as political pawns.

Key Points:

• House Republicans criticize VA for “baseless political talking points“
• 56 House Republicans sign letter condemning VA’s criticism of GOP legislation
• Republicans argue that VA’s statement falsely claimed that legislation would threaten medical care for 30 million veterans
• Republicans estimate that spending cuts in legislation would save American taxpayers $4.5 trillion over time
• VA’s criticism of legislation is unfounded, say GOP lawmakers

Takeaway: The letter from House Republicans to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough highlights the ongoing political debate over the recently-passed Limit, Save, Grow Act. The Republicans argue that the VA’s criticism of the legislation is unfounded and that veterans should never be used as political pawns. The letter underscores the importance of protecting veterans’ benefits and ensuring that the VA is properly funded.