Cruz’s Record on Veterans’ Programs Under Scrutiny
Republican Senator Ted Cruz has centered his 2024 campaign around supporting veterans, despite numerous votes in the past two years against funding veterans’ programs.
Having secured a third term in the U.S. Senate on November 5, Cruz is set to chair the Senate Commerce Committee next year. This role will involve overseeing economic initiatives, including job training programs for veterans and protection against scams.
Cruz’s campaign website details “Standing Up for Our Soldiers and Veterans,” listing 18 actions aimed at aiding service members. However, some claims lack essential context and details.
Among the achievements highlighted is Cruz’s support for the Honoring Our PACT Act, a bill expanding healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam.
Initially backing the Honoring Our PACT Act in June 2022, Cruz reversed his stance in July, aligning with Republicans opposing the measure. This shift led Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, to label Cruz as “an utter fraud” prompted.
Veterans groups expressed outrage at Republicans for blocking the bill. Cruz later backed the legislation when it resurfaced in August, leading to its signing into law by President Joe Biden.
Cruz’s site also claims annual successes in securing military funding, citing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This act, a mandatory annual defense funding bill, received bipartisan support for the 2024 version.
However, Cruz has consistently opposed additional military and veterans’ funding outside the NDAA. In March, he voted against a bill allocating $346.7 billion for military construction and veterans’ services. In 2021, he opposed the American Rescue Plan, which included $14.5 billion for veteran healthcare.
Some accomplishments listed on Cruz’s website, such as renaming Texas post offices to honor veterans, provide symbolic rather than tangible benefits.
Common Defense, a leading pro-veteran group, has endorsed Cruz’s Democratic challenger, Rep. Collin Alred.
A spokesperson for Cruz did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
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