'This is unconscionable': Biden administration's veto over House VA and military construction bill leaves Internet divided
WASHINGTON, DC: The White House recently expressed strong opposition to a bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee that funds military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The bill has been criticized for containing “numerous, partisan policy provisions with devastating consequences” for reproductive rights, the LGBTQ community, marriage equality, and climate change.
“House Republicans are again wasting time with partisan bills that would result in deep cuts to law enforcement, education, housing, health care, consumer safety, energy programs that lower utility bills and combat climate change, and essential nutrition services,” White House officials stated.
Partisan provisions and House approval
The bill was passed by the GOP-led House Appropriations Committee, raising concerns about its impact on LGBTQ Americans and abortion access. The legislation, amounting to over $147 billion, received approval to fund the VA and military construction along party lines in a 34-25 vote. Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) praised the bill's passage “a testament to our dedication to caring for those who selflessly served our nation, supporting our military families, and strengthening America’s defense.”
The clash over culture wars in Defense and government funding bills between Democrats and Republicans has become a major point of tension.
Specific concerns and impact
The bill includes provisions that the White House opposes, such as a prohibition on the closure or realignment of Guantanamo Bay, which would affect President Biden's plans to continue weighing how to free prisoners. Additionally, the administration is opposed to provisions that would restrict the VA from carrying out a Biden administration rule that allows veterans to have greater access to abortion counseling and abortions for rape or incest.
“This change would prevent VA from providing needed care when the health of the woman is endangered,” said the White House. Other provisions opposed by the administration include a ban on flying any other flag at a VA facility except for a government-related flag and an amendment that would prevent a directive for most VA health care personnel to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Internet reacts to Joe Biden veto threat on military construction-VA bill
A user commented, "It seems as though Republicans are still embracing and using 20th century skills in their decision making rather than facing the fact that most in the US and around the world are using 21st century skills. This country needs to move forward, not backward."
Another said, "Right, now it comes out that the bill covers that which would prevent women's rights, LGBTQ+ and more. Sneaky as always, those Republicans. failing to disclose the whole truth about the bill, just letting bits come out making it appear Dems won't support it. 1/2 truth = 1/2 lie."
A third added, "Biden needs that money to give to illegals !! He couldn't care less for veterans !!"
"Cue Republicans whining about the Democratic sponsored bills not being "clean", mocked a user.
"Why does our politicians don't mind making cuts that concerns and help the American citizens while not hesitating to give away our tax dollars to assist other countries, while our country does without? Something is definitely wrong here," read a tweet.
"The republicans use the military and the VA merely as tools. This is unconscionable," asserted a user.
"As usual, it is the Socialist Democrat Party way or the highway! I cannot wait to throw Slow Joe and the Socialist Democrats' , up and down the ballot out of Gov't come Nov. 5. Gitmo awaits....," chimed another.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
