Rep. Takano Statement on LGBT Veterans Benefits Amendment

Washington DC – Earlier this morning, Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced an amendment in the House Committee on Veterans Affairs based on her bipartisan bill H.R. 2529, the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act. The Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act amends the definition of “spouse” in Title 38 of the U.S. Code to ensure equal treatment for same-sex spouses, thereby aligning the VA with the Department of Defense and the Supreme Court ruling in Windsor v. U.S. Supported by the VA, the change would simply prevent legally married LGBT veterans from losing their federal benefits if they live in a state which does not recognize marriage equality. The language was voted down 13-12. 

 

After the vote, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statement:

 

“I’m disappointed to see members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee vote against providing benefits to veterans in same-sex marriages who reside in a state that does not recognize marriage equality. The amendment introduced by Representative Titus had no impact on state laws and simply ensured that the policies of the Veterans Administration was aligned with the Department of Defense and the rest of the federal government. Those brave men and women who served our country have earned these benefits and no Member of Congress should be standing in the way of what they are owed. It is my hope that the House Veterans Affairs Committee will revisit this issue as soon as possible so that all veterans, regardless of who they love, are eligible for their full spousal benefits.”