This Fox News opinion article by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Mark Takano argues that Congress should not pay for expanded veterans’ legislation by reducing disability benefits for other former service members. The authors say the House is preparing to vote on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, but they oppose the Republican proposal to offset its cost through cuts affecting disabled veterans, contending that this would undermine support for people already living with the consequences of military service. They present the dispute as important because it could shape both the bill’s chances of passing and the wider principle of how the US funds veterans’ care.

The piece says the package contains nearly 60 bills, including the Major Richard Star Act, and claims the proposed cuts would affect millions of veterans who receive disability benefits linked to tinnitus and sleep apnoea. Blumenthal and Takano say 46 Senate Democrats have already objected in a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Collins, suggesting the proposal lacks enough support in the Senate. As alternatives, they point to nearly $100 billion in unobligated Department of Defense funds and argue that restoring the top tax rate from 37% to 39.6% for people earning more than $25 million would raise enough money to cover the bill without cutting veterans’ benefits.