GOP lawmakers fume at VA Secretary over department's claims debt plan may slash benefits

Top congressional leaders have "stated unequivocally that veterans will be protected, and the VA will be funded," they wrote.

By Ben Whedon

Published: May 4, 2023 9:29pm

Updated: May 4, 2023 9:34pm

House Republican lawmakers are furious with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough over claims from the VA that a GOP-led plan to raise the debt ceiling would cut benefits for the nation's veterans.

The House of Representatives in April approved a Republican-led plan to extend the federal debt limit by one year and to cap the growth rate of federal spending. President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the measure should it reach his desk.

The VA warned last week that the plan could prompt job cuts at the department and adversely impact its services, The Hill reported. McDonough had claimed in a Senate hearing that the bill "may result in 30 million fewer outpatient visits." That release, in combination with McDonough's concerns, have prompted outrage from Republicans, who called such assertions "dishonest and shameless."

Led by Virginia GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans, a group of 56 House Republicans excoriated McDonough in a recent letter that the outlet obtained.

"Many members of Congress are deeply troubled and personally offended that the Biden Administration continues to use these dishonest talking points to create panic and fear in our veteran populations," they wrote. "The intent of the legislation is to set a topline number for the entire federal budget."

Top congressional leaders have "stated unequivocally that veterans will be protected, and the VA will be funded," they continued.

The letter highlights tense relations between House Republicans and the Biden administration as they struggle to find common ground on a plan to extend the debt limit and avert a national default.

President Joe Biden has called a meeting with top congressional leaders for Tuesday to discuss a resolution. Democrats have advocated for a clean increase to the debt ceiling while Republicans have sought to pair any increase with provisions to address the mounting national debt.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.