In late April, House Republicans passed the Limit, Save, and Grow Act to cut Federal spending. The Biden Administration accused the bill of cutting funds for veterans' healthcare. Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) struck back against the allegation in an op-ed for Fox News, saying President Biden "views [veterans] as political pawns."
"As a veteran, and as a member of Congress who has read and voted on the bill, hear me when I say this: there are zero cuts to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) or to veterans’ benefits," said Rep. Mast.
Additionally, Rep. Mast clarified the Limit, Save, and Grow Act will revert discretionary spending by the Federal government to December 2022 levels, which had previously received approval from President Biden.
"But that doesn’t fit his narrative," Mast continued, "So instead, he’s going to lie to the American people and use veterans as pawns in his politicking."
Mast then described instances where Biden acted against the interests of veterans such as voting against benefits during his time as Senator and his role in covering up the 2014 Veterans' Affairs scandal as Vice President. Moreover, as President, Biden was infamously caught checking his watch as the coffins of the thirteen service members killed in the Afghanistan withdrawal returned to the United States.
At the same time, when Mast lost both his legs in combat, he received a dinner invitation from Biden while the latter was Vice President. "Actions speak louder than dinner party invitations," Mast stated.
Mast's op-ed concluded with a defense of the Limit, Save, and Grow Act as "a good piece of legislation that limits runaway spending while preserving vital programs at the VA, Social Security Administration, and Medicare."
"The Limit, Save and Grow Act is a good piece of legislation that limits runaway spending while preserving vital programs at the VA, Social Security Administration, and Medicare; saves taxpayer dollars by undoing stupid policies like the student loan bailout, and grows the economy by unleashing domestic energy and strengthening the American workforce," wrote Mast.
Mast's fiery condemnation comes within days after he stated his support for the Retain Skilled Veterans Act, which would rescind a 180-day waiting period for veterans to work at the Department of Defense.
