Carbondale Reporter

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has introduced a bill aimed at preventing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using its resources to provide healthcare or engage in claims processing for illegal migrants. The legislation, known as the "No VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act," comes in response to reports suggesting that the Department of Homeland Security is using the VA's established claims processing system to pay for illegal migrants in ICE detention.

Chairman Bost expressed his concern over the situation, stating, "Joe Biden's failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now it appears he's taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants." As a Marine himself, Bost strongly believes that diverting funds from veterans is a betrayal of their service. He has repeatedly sought answers from the Biden administration but has been met with resistance. Determined to prioritize the needs of veterans, Bost has vowed to use every tool available to his chairmanship to end this practice and put veterans first.

The VA's Financial Services Center plays a crucial role in supporting the VA's Community Care mission, which aims to provide veterans with accessible healthcare options. It allows veterans to choose whether to seek care at a VA facility or within their own community, reducing the need for long-distance travel and minimizing wait times. Bost's proposed legislation seeks to ensure that the VA remains fully focused on meeting the needs of veterans, without diverting resources to illegal migrants.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate, highlighting the bipartisan concern over this issue.

The introduction of this bill reflects growing concerns about the allocation of resources and the prioritization of healthcare services. With the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, there is a pressing need to address the humanitarian and national security crisis. Chairman Bost's legislation seeks to safeguard the resources intended for veterans and prevent any further diversion to illegal migrants.

For more information on the "No VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act," please visit the official website of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost at [https://bost.house.gov/2023/12/bost-introduces-bill-blocking-va-funding-for-illegal-migrants](https://bost.house.gov/2023/12/bost-introduces-bill-blocking-va-funding-for-illegal-migrants).

For additional details, please follow this link: https://bost.house.gov/2023/12/bost-introduces-bill-blocking-va-funding-for-illegal-migrants