U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led 23 of his colleagues today in demanding answers from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough regarding reports that the VA diverted resources intended for our veterans in order to process medical claims for illegal immigrants.
“It is our duty to provide veterans with quality care, but the VA has been a total failure for so many of our veterans. Many veterans fight with the VA for years to get help. Some never receive it,” said Rep. Steube. “That’s why you can imagine how much of an absurdity it is for our veterans to learn that the VA has been involved in processing medical claims for illegal immigrants. The VA should be 100% focused on those who served our country honorably – not illegal immigrants who break our nation’s laws. I am hopeful Secretary McDonough has answers for Congress regarding this troublesome arrangement.”
The members wrote in part:
“The VA exists to serve American veterans who risked their lives to protect our great country. For far too long, the VA has fallen short in its mission ‘To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.’ Veterans have experienced unacceptable wait times in receiving medical care and disability benefits.”
“Congress appropriates funds to the VA in order to provide services to our veterans, not illegal immigrants. Our veterans served our country, and it is high time that our government start serving them.”
The members asked Secretary McDonough the following questions:
- How many claims has the VA Financial Services Center processed for ICE on a monthly basis since January 2021?
- Are claims submitted for care provided to VA beneficiaries processed before any other claims serviced by the VA?
- How many hours have VA personnel spent processing medical claims on behalf of ICE?
- Is the VA providing any other services to federal agencies involving illegal immigrants?
The letter was cosigned by: Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Matthew Rosendale, Sr. (MT-02), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Troy E. Nehls (TX-22), Harriet M. Hageman (WY-At Large), Brian Babin, D.D.S. (TX-36), Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04), John Rose (TN-06), Randy K. Weber, Sr. (TX-14), Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Scott Perry (PA-10), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), and Clay Higgins (LA-03).
Congressman Steube has been a champion for Florida’s veterans and fought to deliver the healthcare they deserve. Despite representing one of the country’s largest veteran populations, the VA hospital serving Florida’s 17th Congressional district ranks in the bottom 5% of veteran hospitals nationally. Congressman Steube continues to advocate for his priority legislation to give veterans true choice when it comes to their healthcare. He believes that no veteran should be stuck in the failing VA.
