West Florida News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) penned an opinion piece in The American Conservative, highlighting what he describes as a misallocation of resources within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to process medical claims for illegal immigrants. The article draws attention to the VA’s longstanding issues with its claims backlog and customer service while American veterans continue to struggle with inadequate care.

"For far too long, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has fallen short in its mission 'To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors,'" wrote Steube. "As someone who uses the VA system, I know first-hand the run-around often given to our veterans. Many veterans fight with the VA for years to get help. Some never receive it."

Steube expressed concern over recent reports revealing that VA employees are working on medical claims for illegal immigrants in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. "Last December, I was shocked to read news reports uncovering the VA’s absurd arrangement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). I led a letter with 23 of my colleagues to VA Secretary McDonough. To my surprise, the secretary confirmed that VA employees do indeed work on medical claims for illegal immigrants in ICE custody."

He emphasized that this occurs despite a significant increase in the VA disability claim backlog under the Biden Administration, which has risen from consistently under 100,000 claims during the Trump administration to 273,307 as of last week.

"Even if the VA were a well-oiled machine running ahead of schedule," Steube argued, "I wouldn’t support diverting resources to illegals." He continued by stating that Congress appropriates funds specifically for services to veterans.

Steube's amendment to the House-passed Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act aims to ensure that no VA funds may be used to process medical claims for ICE. He also noted his pleasure that the bill prohibits providing benefits directly to illegal aliens.

"The Senate must fight to ensure the final version of this bill also puts veterans over illegals," he urged.

Steube underscored his belief that veterans deserve better healthcare options. His proposed legislation, the Veterans True Choice Act, seeks to expand health insurance options for disabled veterans and provide them access outside of traditional VA services.

"I represent one of the largest veteran populations in Southwest Florida," Steube stated. "That’s why it’s an abomination that the VA hospital serving Florida’s 17th Congressional district ranks in the bottom five percent of veteran hospitals nationally."

He concluded by stressing his commitment: "Standing up for our nation’s heroes is always at the forefront of my work in Congress... Our veterans served our country honorably, and it is high time that our government starts serving them."