During a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, a Marine veteran himself, took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of neglecting the needs of America’s homeless veterans. Vance, who is running alongside former President Donald Trump, used the rally to draw a stark contrast between the two candidates’ leadership styles when it comes to supporting veterans.
Vance highlighted the issue of veteran homelessness in Pennsylvania, which has the fourth-highest rate in the nation. He questioned how the Biden administration, under Harris’s leadership, could justify spending money on housing illegal immigrants in hotels while veterans struggle on the streets.
He pointed to the fact that while the VA had allocated over $800 million nationwide for veteran homelessness programs, including $17 million for Pennsylvania, this sum falls short of what’s truly needed to address the growing crisis. Vance stressed that veterans, who have sacrificed for their country, deserve better than to be left behind.
Vance’s criticisms were echoed by Darin Selnick, founder of Veterans 4 America First Institute (V4AF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for veterans. Selnick accused the VA of prioritizing special interests and illegal immigrants over veterans, citing instances where VA land meant for veteran housing was instead given to private entities.
He also highlighted the fact that the VA has been funding medical claims for illegal immigrants in ICE detention, a practice that has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Selnick called on Vice President Harris to prioritize the needs of veterans, urging her to “walk the walk” instead of just talking about it.
The Republican National Committee’s platform for 2024 explicitly addresses the issue of veteran homelessness, promising to end taxpayer-funded housing and benefits for illegal immigrants and use those savings to support veterans. The platform also pledges to restore Trump-era reforms designed to expand veterans’ healthcare choices and hold accountable any VA employees who fail to provide adequate care.
Vance’s comments, along with the Republican platform’s stance, highlight the growing political focus on the issue of veteran homelessness. As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how both candidates will address this critical issue and how their policies will impact the lives of veterans struggling to find a home.
