Congresswoman Lisa McLain, a Republican representing the 10th district, which includes St. Clair County, has co-sponsored legislation with Congressman Brian Babin of Texas to prevent veterans from losing Veterans Administration benefits if they choose to skip the COVID-19 vaccine.
McLain announced the introduction of HR 5892, the Our Veterans Earned It Act, saying, “Our veterans earned their benefits when they fought to protect our country. The fact that they could be at risk of losing these benefits due to a vaccine mandate is disturbing.”
While there is no threat to benefits based on vaccination status under any current law or mandate, this bill would prevent such from occurring in the future.
There is currently no federal mandate that withholds Veterans Administration benefits for unvaccinated veterans. Addressing false rumors that circulated in the early fall, Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Terrence L. Hayes responded to an Associated Press inquiry, saying, “The President has not and will not withhold benefits to Veterans who choose not to be vaccinated. The spread of this misinformation is extremely detrimental to our Veterans and their families and should cease immediately.”
While active-duty military members are required to get certain vaccinations, veterans have no such requirement once discharged from service.
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
