For Immediate Release 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) denounces the House passage of the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act” (H.R. 9237), through what IAVA condemns as deliberate deception and manipulation by the House Majority. 

“Yesterday’s procedural maneuver to force a deeply contentious and widely opposed bill through the House was a slap in the face to veterans and frankly, to our entire democratic process,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “Through what can only be described as deceit and trickery, the House Majority left H.R. 9237 open for a voice vote for a mere four seconds, after deliberately drawing Ranking Member Takano away from a microphone and denying him the opportunity to demand a recorded vote. The footage is clear: not a single ‘aye’ was heard on the House Floor during those four seconds. If passage of H.R. 9237 is reliant on deceit and manipulation, that tells you everything you need to know about the legitimacy of both the process and the outcome. Veterans deserve better, and so does our democracy.”  

The circumstances surrounding the bill’s passage have drawn criticism even from some of its own supporters, who have issued formal statements condemning the tactics employed and demanding a recorded vote on the bill.  

For IAVA, the fact that this occurred on Veterans Day is even more shameful. A day intended to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans instead became the backdrop for a deeply disputed legislative maneuver putting their own earned benefits at risk. IAVA condemns the House Majority’s handling of H.R. 9237 and their undermining of the democratic process to force through legislation that veterans have repeatedly rejected.  

We now call on the Senate to uphold the transparency, accountability, and integrity that were so clearly absent from yesterday’s proceedings when considering the bill. IAVA remains unequivocally opposed to the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act” and will continue fighting to ensure this legislation does not become law.  

About IAVA: IAVA is the premier evidence-based advocacy organization for America’s post-9/11 veterans. Member-driven and grounded in rigorous research, we pursue policy change with the same courage our members brought to service. 

Contact Information:  

Ryan Coverdell 
Communications Associate 
Email: press@iava.org