Lauren Boebert: Veterans’ Health Bill Too Costly at ‘$600 Billion Forever’
By Jake Beardslee ·
September 6, 2024
During a recent debate in Colorado's 4th Congressional District, Republican Representative Lauren Boebert faced criticism for her vote against the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
This bipartisan legislation, which expanded health benefits for veterans exposed to toxins during service, was a point of contention between Boebert and her Democratic opponent, Trisha Calvarese. @trisha4colorado / X
Calvarese challenged Boebert's decision, stating, "If you're going to be America first, you can't put veterans last." @trisha4colorado / X
Calvarese further pressed Boebert on her vote "against care for veterans exposed to cancer-causing toxins and burn pits during war." @trisha4colorado / X
In response, Boebert defended her position, claiming she has "absolutely put [veterans] first."
She explained her vote against the bill, saying, "I'm not spending $600 billion forever because we couldn't get a couple pieces of language right in legislation." Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
Boebert also cited her reluctance to vote for large omnibus bills with limited time for review. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
The PACT Act, passed by both the House and Senate in July 2022 and signed into law shortly after, received support from all Democrats and a majority of Republicans. Fry1989 / Wikimedia
However, Boebert was among 88 House Republicans who opposed it. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
Boebert argued that her position in the minority during her first year limited her ability to influence legislation. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
Boebert stated, "I fought so we could have amendments on the House floor. When that bill first came up, I was in the minority, and amendments were closed on the House floor. I could not give a Colorado voice to the men and women who have served in our military on that legislation." Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia
The bill's $400 billion mandatory spending provision was a point of contention for some Republicans.
After public pressure and the addition of cost-controlling amendments, more Republicans supported the bill, though eleven Republican senators still voted against it. Tara Winstead / Pexels
