Bipartisan Bill President Biden Signed Into Law Fully Funds the Administration’s VA Budget Request and the Critical Toxic Exposure Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
June 3, 2023
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, DC — The following is a statement from the CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Allison Jaslow, on the bipartisan debt ceiling bill that President Biden signed into law:  

“America deserved a deal to help us raise the debt ceiling and avoid default. Our veterans also deserved a deal that fully funds their care and benefits. And that’s what finally passed Congress and is now signed into law by the President.

“When the debt ceiling negotiations began, there were no explicit guarantees that veterans benefits were off the table. Despite calls from veterans groups, a bill even passed the US House of Representatives that would have cut the federal budget by 22% without also ensuring veterans benefits would be protected as those cuts were made. 

“IAVA applauds the negotiators for ultimately brokering a deal that not only funds the VA at the levels requested by the Administration in its budget blueprint but one that also importantly fully funds the Toxic Exposure Fund that was created with the passage of the PACT Act last year. Make no mistake, the bill signed by the President today is undoubtedly a win for veterans. 

“IAVA also applauds members of both parties for coming together to not just do right by our veterans, but also our country. Now more than ever, it’s important for our leaders to put partisan politics aside and our nation’s interests first.” 

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

###