Huh? Tim Walz abandons vets after joining Armed Services Committee

May 1, 2015

Despite recently joining the Armed Services Committee, Tim Walz unbelievably voted against the annual appropriations bill that funds and reforms the Department of Veterans Affairs, putting at risk the health of our veterans and their families.Baltimore, MD

Minnesota’s 1st District is home to more than 49,000 veterans and has 3 full service VA centers.

Walz voted against more than $68 billion – a 6% increase from last year – in funding for VA Health Care Programs, VA medical centers like the Rochester and South Central Community Based Outpatient Clinics, Disability payments, and other vital services.

Additionally, Walz voted against funding the vital reforms intended to address the dire mismanagement of the VA that came to light last year, including increasing oversight at the VA, tracking regional VA offices’ performance, and providing funding to clear the VA’s claims backlog.

Interestingly, Walz’ colleague Collin Peterson voted in favor of the measure, making this just the latest example of Walz putting himself at odds with Peterson.

NRCC Comment: “It is reprehensible for Tim Walz to play politics with the health and wellbeing of our nations’ veterans. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Walz should be ashamed to abandon 1st District veterans and their families on a party line vote.” – NRCC Spokesman Zach Hunter