Metro East Sun

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost, representing Illinois, initiated the first markup of the 119th Congress, focusing on the GOP agenda for veterans and their families. The session addressed 18 bills, with 14 spearheaded by House Republicans. These legislative efforts aim to fulfill the Republican majority's commitment to reforming VA healthcare, benefits, and services.

In his prepared opening remarks, Chairman Bost stated: "A quorum being present, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will come to order." He emphasized his intention to keep remarks brief to allow ample time for discussion on each bill and related amendments.

Bost expressed disappointment regarding the submission process for amendments. He noted that committee rules require providing bill texts within 48 business hours of a markup. In this instance, he highlighted compliance by stating: "We have followed these rules and even gave the majority the list of the bills that would be considered a full 120 hours ahead of today’s markup."

He further mentioned an informal agreement whereby amendments should be filed within 24 hours before a markup starts. According to Bost: "That time was yesterday at 10:15 in the morning; at that time we had received only 7 of the 40 total amendments that the minority has filed."

Despite receiving over a dozen amendments after business hours last night, Bost refrained from blocking amendment proposals as he recounted past instances where such actions were deemed improper.

Expressing dissatisfaction with what he described as unserious amendments aimed at delaying proceedings without achieving objectives, Bost remarked: "While this is certainly well within their right – and I understand that levers they have whilst in minority are limited – it is disappointing."

Bost concluded by advocating for cooperation in good faith on behalf of veterans served by this committee: "I have always tried my best to act in good faith when we were able to do so on behalf of men and women we serve on this dais."

The floor was then yielded to the Ranking Member for further comments.