House Veterans' Affairs Democrats

Ranking Member @RepMarkTakano | House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Democrats

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Veterans, we know that times like these can feel overwhelming. It might seem like you're facing challenges by yourself, but know you are never alone. There is always someone to talk to. Just call 988 and press 1 to speak with someone who will understand.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

House Democrats and veterans can agree on one thing right now - none of us want to see the largest cut to veterans' benefits in history signed into law. The Taking Benefits from America's Veterans Act is bad for veterans’ benefits, and even worse for their pockets.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Veterans are already feeling the squeeze at the gas pump, with prices rising across the nation. The average price of gas has been above $4 per gallon for 158 days straight, thanks to Trump. The president continues to choses to prolong this war with Iran instead of delivering meaningful relief for veterans.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

This administration seems willing to foot the bill only when Oracle investor Trump personally benefits. Handing Larry Ellison an additional $17 billion for an outdated EHRM system sounds like a bad investment.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Last night, President Trump said Camp Lejeune veterans would get NOTHING if Republicans lose the midterms—tying toxic exposure relief to politics. Veterans’ benefits shouldn’t depend on elections or parties. Those who served and their families deserve what they’re owed — not political ultimatums from the commander-in-chief.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Passing the Major Richard Star Act must remain our top priority!

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Passing the Major Richard Star Act this Congress should be the bare minimum. House Republicans have failed to legislate this Congress -- don't fail veterans even more by not getting this bill done this Congress.

[Rep. Pete Aguilar @RepPeteAguilar]

Our soldiers make tremendous sacrifices for our country. The least we can do is give veterans with combat-related disabilities the full retirement and disability pay they deserve.

I joined @RepMarkTakano and @DAVHQ to call for a House vote on the Major Richard Star Act.

Let’s get this done for our veterans.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Let's be clear about the EHRM's history: this program was awarded as a no-bid contract during Trump’s first term, and the system was deployed while it was still being built. The Biden admin paused it to fix dangerous patient safety problems. Now, the Trump VA is plowing forward haphazardly, putting veterans at risk.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

🚨 Veterans, SSA just announced the 2027 COLA Rates. But House Republicans haven't passed the bill yet to make it apply to you. Veterans desperately need this increase to keep up with Trump's inflation. Republicans continue to sit on their hands. Why?

To read more about the rate increase: https://t.co/hnpkVs7C98

[Congressional Equality Caucus @EqualityCaucus]

As CEC Chair and RM of @VetAffairsDems, @RepMarkTakano has been fighting for LGBTQI+ veterans impacted by Trump's cuts to the VA, decision to eliminate LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators & restrictions on medical care.

They fought for us, now Rep. Takano is fighting for them.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

The Taking Benefits from America's Veterans Act not only offsets its cost by cutting disability ratings for sleep apnea and tinnitus, but also raises fees on veterans' home loans. Once again, we will never support a bill that takes from one group of veterans to pay for benefits for another.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Secretary Collins visited West LA VA but skipped meeting the veterans who actually live there. RM @RepMarkTakano sat down with those veterans, listened to their concerns, and is using their voices to shape decisions about the West LA campus. Making time for veterans is nonnegotiable.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Navy! For years, our sailors have served our nation with honor. Thank you to our past, present, and future sailors for defending our nation.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

7 legislative days have passed since the Major Richard Star Act hit 218 signatures. 50,000 combat-injured veterans can't and shouldn’t wait any longer. @SpeakerJohnson, honor the will of the House and bring it to the floor.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

The Taking Benefits from America’s Veterans Act would push millions of veterans into community care, even where private providers aren't faster or closer than VA. The risk for WORSE care is real – at the same time, this administration guts healthcare. This is dangerous for our veterans.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

VA is now projecting 24 system go-lives in 2027 and 34 in 2028. When we asked whether VA actually has the capacity to pull this off safely, we didn't get a confident answer. Patient safety should be the top concern, not an afterthought.

[Rep. Richard Neal @RepRichardNeal]

I was proud to join 217 of my colleagues in signing the discharge petition to bring the Major Richard Star Act to the floor for a vote.

The only problem is that after only seven legislative workdays between August and September, Speaker Johnson sent everyone home.

Republicans have no problem funding the reckless war of choice in Iran or giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, but when it comes to funding the benefits our veterans have earned and deserve, they are nowhere to be found.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

The Major Richard Star Act was ready for a vote, but Speaker Johnson chose to send members home early. A majority of the House, 218 Members, has spoken; Speaker Johnson, schedule the vote.

To read more about the Major Richard Star Act: https://t.co/kSaZwTikdX

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

Republicans control the House and Senate, and they've run on their support for the military and veterans, yet only 12 veterans' bills have become law this Congress. Democrats enacted 60 in the 117th, including the Honoring Our PACT Act. Republicans say there's no money for veterans, but they found hundreds of billions for ICE, a war in Iran, and a ballroom.

[House Veterans' Affairs Democrats @VetAffairsDems]

As Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, that doesn't mean the problem ends or we stop talking about it. Veterans, you are not alone, and support is available to you.
If you or a veteran you know is struggling, call or text 988, then press 1 -- or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Help is available 24/7, 365 days a year.