The House of Representatives passed an expansive veterans’ benefits bill on Veterans Day by voice vote, but some confusion sparked Republican accusations that Democrats failed to object or demand a recorded vote.
The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would allow some retired veterans to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently. After the bill was brought to the floor, the House clerk read the bill’s title, and the presiding officer, Representative Addison McDowell (R-NC), asked members in favor to say “aye” and those opposed to say “no.”
“The ayes have it,” Rep. McDowell declared. “The bill is passed.”
But no Democrat called for a roll-call vote, and without that procedural request, a bill passes – and that’s what happened.
“If a few of them want to go voice their objections, they can go and make it clear on the House floor why they are against our veterans on Veterans Day,” House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) told reporters after the floor confusion. “But I was proud to support it. I'm glad it passed.”
Other Republicans, including Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), were also happy the bill made it through the House, regardless of how it did so.
“Our veterans kept their commitment to America, and we must keep our commitment to them,” Rep. Jackson said, adding that the bill ensures veterans will receive the support they need.
But this is not the first time the bill has gotten caught in the crosshairs of Congress’ partisan clashes.
The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act was pulled from the floor back in July after Democrats argued it would pay for expanded benefits for some veterans by reducing benefits for others, including changing future disability ratings for conditions such as tinnitus and sleep apnea.
“As a Congress, we have to do right by our veterans, and this bill simply does not do it,” Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX) said ahead of the bill being pulled.
This comes just after House Democrats failed to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over his handling of the war in Iran.
