A debt ceiling impasse could impact veterans
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — As the White House and Congressional leaders work on a deal over the debt ceiling, it's Ohioans who could pay the price as the nation faces the threat of a default.
Standing in front of the Veteran's Memorial in Downtown Columbus, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty says she's concerned that if a deal on the debt ceiling isn't reached, veterans would suffer.
"I'm standing here with the people who fought for our country, for the people who deserve to be able to get their benefits," Beatty said.
The treasury department pays out 25 billion dollars every month to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
But if the government isn't paying its bills, Beatty says the military and veterans may not get their services.
Republicans say they have no plans to cut their benefits.
Congressman Bob Latta's office says House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee last week fully funded veterans' health care programs and benefits.
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In a statement representative Bob Latta says,
“For months, Speaker McCarthy has been urging the president to negotiate on a reasonable solution to the debt crisis and to get federal spending under control. It’s unacceptable the president has refused to come to the table and address this issue until the last possible minute. One month ago today, the House passed a bill to protect the good faith and credit of the United States – including Social Security and Medicare – while limiting D.C.’s out-of-control spending, saving trillions in taxpayer dollars, and growing the economy. I urge the president to join Congress in restoring fiscal discipline and responsibility to Washington, D.C. It’s what every taxpaying American expects and deserves from their government.”
And as the debt ceiling deadline looms, Beatty says the uncertainty has some veterans worried about how they are going to pay their bills.
"If we default those payments could stop," Beatty said.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary has warned the government may not be able to fulfill all of its financial obligations if a deal is not reached by June first.
