Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, during the process of applying for disability benefits, VA determines whether or not a beneficiary can manage their own financial affairs. If not, VA will assign them a fiduciary to protect the veteran. VA will only determine an individual to be unable to manage his or her financial affairs after receipt of medical documentation or if a court of competent jurisdiction has already made that determination. In assigning a fiduciary, VA must also report the beneficiary to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the NICS system, as, under the law, they are adjudicated as mentally defective. This reporting prevents the beneficiary under Federal law from purchasing a firearm. The program has a full due process system, and veterans can file an appeal. This is an example of generating a controversy where there is none. The process of applying for disability benefits is entirely separate from the processes by which veterans receive VA healthcare. The Veterans Health Administration, which handles disability benefits, does not take away veterans' firearms. However, by implying that VA bureaucrats are going to take guns away from veterans, this amendment not only does nothing to increase access to care but its very introduction seeks to dissuade veterans from even seeking healthcare that they have earned in the first place. Moreover, this amendment deals with an authorizing issue and should not be debated on an appropriations bill. This is policy, not funding.…”