House Approves VA Bill Including Non-Woke Provisions

House Republicans passed a $147 billion Veteran Affairs spending bill on Wednesday, despite facing a veto threat from the White House. The veto threat was due to various partisan riders in the bill related to abortion, climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives, and gender care, as reported by The Hill.

Only four Democrats supported the legislation, HR 8580, which covers funding for veterans’ healthcare and benefits, funding for military construction projects, military family housing, and strengthening the military’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This bill is special because it takes care of our heroes, both during and after their service,” said Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The White House threatened to veto the bill earlier in the week due to the partisan provisions backed by House Republicans.

The bill includes policies that the White House views as harmful, such as affecting access to reproductive healthcare, endangering LGBTQI+ Americans’ health and safety, threatening marriage equality, hindering climate change initiatives, and impeding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, according to a statement from the White House budget office on Monday.

The Biden administration also opposes the proposed realignment of military construction funding in the bill.