Deluzio, Lieu Introduce Bill to Require Funding for Veterans Care Before Declaration of War or Use of Military Force

The “Full Cost of War” Act would ensure this country upholds its sacred promise to take care of those who serve by ensuring veterans care is not an afterthought

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressmen and veterans Chris Deluzio (PA-17, U.S. Navy veteran) and Ted Lieu (CA-36, U.S. Air Force veteran) introduced their bill, the Full Cost of War Act. This bill would require the inclusion of an authorization of funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a part of any authorization for use of military force or declaration of war. This means that from the get-go, the government will prioritize the cost of care, disability compensation, and any other earned benefit for servicemembers involved in the war or operation. 

“Our men and women in uniform bear the cost of serving and fighting our wars,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “The way I see it, this country has a sacred obligation to care for my fellow veterans after they risk it all and serve this country. If our government cannot promise to pay for these veterans’ care, we should not send them off to war. This bill—the Full Cost of War Act—will help fund these critical services ahead of any AUMF or declaration of war, making sure that Congress doesn’t play games with funding veterans care down the road." 

“The decision to authorize the use of military force is the most consequential that a Member of Congress is ever asked to make,” said Congressman Ted Lieu. “We owe it to our brave men and women in uniform to ensure they are taken care of – during and after service. This bill would ensure that when Congress authorizes military force, we also authorize funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs to fully provide for veterans’ medical care, disability compensation, and other earned benefits. I am pleased to join a fellow veteran, Congressman Chris Deluzio, in this important effort to care for our veterans now and into the future.” 

A link to the full text of the bill is available here. 

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