The U.S. House of Representatives has voted in favor of an amendment introduced by U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.). Amendment No. 57 to H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2025, prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funds from being used to compensate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for processing medical claims for illegal immigrants in ICE custody. The final vote was 235-176, with 27 members of the Democratic Party voting in favor.
“My amendment garnered bipartisan support because it’s commonsense: the VA has no business working for illegal immigrants in ICE custody. VA personnel should not lift a finger for illegal immigrants while thousands of veterans are forced to wait to receive the benefits they deserve,” stated Rep. Steube. “This bipartisan effort reaffirms our commitment to upholding the promises made to our nation’s service members.”
The amendment’s passage comes amid increasing pressures on federal resources, exacerbated by unprecedented levels of illegal crossings at the southern border. Rep. Steube’s amendment highlights the necessity of safeguarding resources intended for veterans amidst these challenges.
Rep. Steube also introduced a complementary amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, to prohibit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using any funds to process medical claims for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This amendment passed the House as well.
