September 10, 2014  

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District today spoke on the House Floor to call out those members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee who earlier today voted to deny LGBT veterans the federal VA benefits they have earned. Below are her remarks: 

“Earlier today, the Republican members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, with one notable exception, voted to deny LGBT veterans the federal VA benefits they have earned, if they happen to live in a state that does not recognize marriage equality. 

“The Defense Department provides for LGBT soldiers and their families regardless of where they live, but not the VA. While they’re wearing a uniform, they and their families are covered, but once they take it off and become a veteran - too bad. If they live in Florida or Texas or Nevada - too bad. 

“It doesn’t matter that they fought to defend this country, not a particular state. It doesn’t matter that the VA and the VSOs support giving them benefits. It doesn’t matter how brave they were, how much they sacrificed, or how long and honorably they served. Too bad. They get nothing, according to the Republicans. This is unfair and unjust, and Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for lacking the courage to do the right thing by our nation’s heroes!”