Wisconsin Congressman Warns of Veterans Cuts; Says Republicans Can't be "Afraid of Marjorie Taylor Greene."

Thursday, May 4th, 2023 -- 4:00 PM

(Bob Hague, WRN) A Wisconsin congressman warns the debt ceiling bill from Republicans will cut veterans benefits.

Second District Democrat Mark Pocan says that’s the reality of what the Republican-controlled House approved last week. “I know that some of our Wisconsin Republicans in particular have said ‘oh no we didn't vote to cut veterans benefits.’ Yeah you did.”

The legislation does not target veterans’ services by name but would keep government spending at the same level as 2022, effectively a 22% cut. “Just in veterans benefits a 22% cut would affect 30 million people visits nationwide including a half a million are right here in Wisconsin.”

Pocan warns a debt ceiling bill passed by House Republicans last week puts veterans benefits at risk. “It would cut at 1000 jobs from the VA system nationally, adding to wait times that people already complained about. It slashes over 700 million in VA construction projects, of which we've been the beneficiary in the past of some of those dollars.”

Pocan says he hopes House Republicans, including those from Wisconsin, will get serious in debt ceiling negotiations. “We have a good overall relationship, but this kind of stuff, I'm not going to let them destroy the economy because they're afraid of Marjorie Taylor Greene. This is a time for them to show that spine that they have in their backs.”

Pocan says he hopes Republicans will get serious in debt ceiling negotiations. 

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