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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