Memphis Standard

NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), along with House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), have recently introduced legislation aimed at preventing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using its resources to provide taxpayer-funded healthcare to illegal aliens. This move comes as a response to concerns about the prioritization of illegal immigrants over American veterans.

"Our nation's veterans deserve nothing less than the very best care we have to offer," said Senator Blackburn. "Joe Biden is trying to take away healthcare from our brave veterans to give to illegal immigrants. Under no circumstances should taxpayer dollars intended to support our veterans be spent on illegal immigrants."

Senator Tuberville expressed his outrage at the situation, stating, "Joe Biden is putting illegal immigrants over America's veterans. It is outrageous. Our veterans should not be forced to wait in long lines at VA medical centers and clinics to get the care they EARNED while illegal immigrants waltz across our open border and get taxpayer-funded healthcare they NEVER earned. Our veterans should have the best healthcare we can provide—and illegals who have no right to be in this country don't deserve a dime from the taxpayer. Congress needs to pass this legislation to stop Joe Biden from robbing veterans to pay off illegals."

Chairman Bost also criticized the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis, saying, "Joe Biden's failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now it appears he's taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants. As a Marine, I believe any dollar taken away from a veteran is a promise broken to those who served. I've demanded answers from the Biden administration and been stonewalled every step of the way. Until I get the response our veterans deserve, I'll use every available tool of my chairmanship to end this practice and put our veterans first."

The legislation aims to address concerns that the Department of Homeland Security is utilizing the VA's established claims processing system to provide healthcare services to illegal aliens in ICE detention. If passed, the bill would prohibit the VA from offering healthcare or engaging in claims processing for anyone unlawfully present in the United States.

It is worth noting that Tennessee, the home state of Senator Blackburn, is home to over 400,000 veterans, underscoring the importance of ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve.

In addition to Senators Blackburn and Tuberville, several other lawmakers have expressed their support for the legislation. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Congressmen Keith Self (R-Texas), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), Scott Franklin (R-Fla.), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) have all joined as cosponsors.

The full text of the legislation can be found here, providing further details on the proposed measures.

This legislation reflects the growing concern among lawmakers about the prioritization of healthcare resources for illegal immigrants over American veterans. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to this pressing issue.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/1/blackburn-tuberville-introduce-no-va-resources-for-illegal-aliens-act