“Not a Gift — A Promise”: Beatty Reaffirms Commitment to Veterans in Columbus

COLUMBUS, OH – Yesterday, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted a listening session with local veterans on how best to support veterans’ health care, with the event taking place just one day after the third anniversary of the PACT Act becoming law. Veterans also shared perspectives on how supporting those who have served in other critical areas, particularly amid staffing reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and widespread layoffs of veterans across the federal workforce.

During the conversation, Congresswoman Beatty reaffirmed her commitment to fully funding veterans’ health care needs, including PACT Act programs, and ensuring other care and support veterans have earned remains intact.

“My commitment to veterans is not new. I’ve fought to strengthen the VA, expand benefits, and remove barriers — from ending the unfair offset of retirement and disability benefits, to expanding access to VA home loans, to protecting disability benefits in housing eligibility,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Your voices are the most powerful tools we have to protect and improve these programs. I will take what I hear today back to Washington to fight for full PACT Act funding, strong care protections, and to ensure the benefits veterans have earned remain intact. For the veterans of Ohio’s Third District, these benefits are not a gift — they are a promise. And my promise to you is that I will not stop fighting to keep it.”

Veterans representing the U.S. Army, Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps attended, with years of service ranging from 30 to 50 years.

This event was part of a coordinated effort by House Democrats during the August District Work Period to highlight their commitment to fully funding the PACT Act and delivering on the promise to care for America’s veterans.

Press kits with photos and additional materials from the event are available HERE. 

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