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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Senator Blumenthal questions nominee Vought on veterans' benefit proposals

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Jerry Moran - Ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot

Jerry Moran - Ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot

During a recent Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed significant concerns over proposals by Russell Vought, nominee for Director of the Office of Management and Budget. These proposals involve means-testing veterans' disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), potentially impacting many veterans negatively.

Blumenthal, serving as the Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, stated, “I’m concerned by your proposal that there should be a means-test for who deserves [Department of] Veterans Affairs disability compensation.” He further questioned whether Vought believes veterans should only receive benefits if they qualify under certain income criteria.

Vought had previously proposed reducing VA spending through means-testing and narrowing eligibility in a 2023 Budget Proposal. This would affect veterans with household incomes above a specific threshold and those rated below a certain disability percentage.

Despite being pressed by Blumenthal on his stance, Vought avoided direct answers. Blumenthal remarked, “You’re not going to answer that question. But you have in the past taken the position that there should be a means test.”

The discussion also touched on whether disability compensation should be cut for veterans with ratings below 30%. Blumenthal highlighted this as part of proposals from the Center for Renewing America, founded by Vought. The senator asked if Vought still supports these ideas.

Blumenthal is known for advocating expanded benefits and healthcare for veterans, including key provisions in the PACT Act passed in 2022 to assist toxic-exposed veterans.

A video recording of Blumenthal’s exchange with Vought is available online.

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