Kilmer Statement on Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement after he voted against the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill. All major veterans groups have come out against the legislation including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
“I represent more veterans than any other Democrat in Congress,” said Kilmer. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee I will continue to fight for priorities that show veterans we have their back. Unfortunately, the bill that came to the floor locked in reckless, across-the-board sequestration cuts that will only hurt veterans and their families. I also heard the same message whether it was from veterans organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Paralyzed Veterans or from my Veterans Advisory Council: this legislation would do more harm than good. I voted against this bill because I want to move forward, not backward. I am ready to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan solution that will give the men and women who have served our country proper support.”
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