The U.S. House of Representatives came together in a rare show of unity this week and unanimously passed a measure to resurrect an office that advocates for the survivors of U.S. military veterans.
By a vote of 424-0, the House passed H.R. 1228, known as the “Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act,” a strong bipartisan measure to restore the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to its original role under the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The measure ensures that the office once more serves as the principal adviser on policies that affect military families and the survivors of loved ones lost in military service. The passage of the bill reverses a 2021 action that sidelined advocacy for veterans’ survivors, according to reports.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), amends Title 38, United States Code, “to clarify the organization of the Office of Survivors Assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” according to GovTrack. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.
VA Secretary Doug Collins, a former GOP lawmaker from Georgia, recently addressed “rumors” about reports that there would be stiff cuts to VA benefits and veterans’ care under Trump
VA Secretary Doug Collins, a former GOP lawmaker from Georgia, recently addressed “rumors” about reports that there would be stiff cuts to VA benefits and veterans’ care under Trump.
Among the claims he disputed was that VA health care would deteriorate. Collins categorically rejected this assertion, stating that the department has fortified its health care and benefits by preserving 300,000 mission-critical positions to guarantee uninterrupted services. He also countered another rumor suggesting that Veterans’ benefits were being cut.
“They’re not,” he said, explaining that VA had redirected nearly $98 million toward Veterans’ care and services rather than reducing them.
Collins, a colonel and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve, addressed the rumor that the VA was laying off Veterans Crisis Line responders
Collins, a colonel and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve, addressed the rumor that the VA was laying off Veterans Crisis Line responders.
“We did not lay off any Veteran Crisis Line responders,” he noted, while assuring that those answering crisis calls remain in place to support veterans in need.
Collins then encouraged Veterans to obtain information directly from the VA rather than depending on the misinformation that circulates in political discussions.
This development comes as Johnson is dealing with a revolt from some in the House over another bill
This development comes as Johnson is dealing with a revolt from some in the House over another bill.
A House Rules hearing that was scheduled to set up crucial floor votes on an extension of the Section 702 espionage law, financing for immigration enforcement, and a farm bill was cancelled late on Monday due to internal GOP bickering.
Due to issues with Johnson’s three-year Section 702 extension, at least ten Republicans have threatened to reject the rule vote that is now set for 4:30 p.m. The agriculture bill and the Republicans’ strategy for budget reconciliation also have additional problems.
After a state banquet with King Charles III, Johnson hopes to pass the 702 extension soon after 9 p.m
After a state banquet with King Charles III, Johnson hopes to pass the 702 extension soon after 9 p.m.
After GOP hardliners ruined a vote on an extension earlier this month, the battle over the spy bill is essentially where it was.
They don’t think the leadership’s most recent attempt at a compromise would be sufficient to protect Americans from being subjected to unwarranted eavesdropping under Section 702, which permits such surveillance of foreign nationals overseas. Additionally, they want guarantees that central banks will prohibit digital currency.
As the House GOP impasse threatens to expire after Thursday’s deadline, the Senate is getting ready to move forward with a three year 702 extension at noon on Tuesday
As the House GOP impasse threatens to expire after Thursday’s deadline, the Senate is getting ready to move forward with a three-year 702 extension at noon on Tuesday.
GOP leaders attempted to persuade Republicans to approve Johnson’s most recent proposal in its current form during a secret House GOP meeting on Monday night.
Some GOP hardliners, who still oppose the proposal they claim is merely a rebuild of the previous one they destroyed, were simply infuriated by that suggestion.
There are numerous GOP disputes over modifications to the farm bill, but they say they are “working through them this week.”
There are numerous GOP disputes over modifications to the farm bill, but they say they are “working through them this week.”
