Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, spoke out facts about how former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris' leadership styles toward U.S. veterans differ Saturday while campaigning in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. revealed.
The Republican vice presidential candidate's rally was held at JWF Industries, which provides “reliable, on-time delivery manufacturing and subassemblies to Pentagon prime contractors,” according to the site.
Vance, himself a Marine Corps veteran, told the audience: “When your own people are suffering and veterans are at the top of that list, you see a big difference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. ” he asked.
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“Donald Trump wants to put the American people and American veterans first. He believes that the government of this country exists to serve the people of this country and should not be here in the first place. We believe we exist to serve people,” Vance said. “That's one of the biggest differences between the leadership of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.”
Vance's comments followed a reporter's question about how a Trump-Vance ticket would prioritize ending veteran homelessness in the United States, as Pennsylvania has the fourth-highest rate of veteran homelessness in the country. It came out.
Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) arrives at a campaign event at JWF Industries in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
In late August, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded more than $800 million in grants nationwide through the Veteran Family Support Services and Homeless Provider Grant and Per Diem Program, with $17 million of the total grants announced that it will be donated to the state of Pennsylvania.
An average of 35,574 veterans experienced homelessness per day in 2023, according to the nonprofit Mission Roll Call. According to the Veterans Administration, veteran homelessness increased by 7.4% from 2022 to 2023 under the Biden administration.
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“Let's be honest, $17 million,” Vance said. “It helps, but it’s not enough to address the challenges of homeless veterans in this country.
“They went to war. Some came back scarred, some with invisible scars. But they all served their country and did what our country asked of them. “I came back with a sense of pride that I accomplished it,” he added. “How shameful that millions of veterans are left behind in some way, thousands of them homeless, while we house illegal aliens in top-notch hotels. , that's shameful.”
In New York City alone, 119 migrant shelters contracted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are converted into hotels or motels. A further 38 hotels are under contract through various agencies.
Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) arrives at a campaign event at JWF Industries in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
The Veterans 4 America First Institute (V4AF), which describes itself as a grassroots policy organization and nonprofit, responded to Vance's comments about the difference in Trump and Harris' approaches to veterans.
“Senator Vance is 100% right. We need to do more for homeless veterans. Especially under Vice President Harris, the Department of Veterans Affairs dropped the ball when the veteran homelessness rate rose over 7% last year. Especially in times like these,” Darin Selnick, V4AF founder and Air Force veteran, told FOX News Digital.
“Meanwhile, the Veterans Administration provides special treatment to undocumented immigrants by processing and paying ICE medical claims, and provides special benefits to veterans. UCLA, Brentwood Schools, and the oil companies that are turning their backs on them and giving illegal leases to homeless veterans,” Selnick continued.
The VA recently opened a building in Los Angeles after it was discovered that instead of building housing for veterans, it had “secretly sold” land deeded as a former soldiers' home in 1888 for private profit. The case was ruled not to be prosecuted.
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) gestures during a speech at a campaign event on Saturday. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) announced in December last year that in response to a DHS report on the use of veterans funds for illegal immigrants, he launched an “unlawful” plan to block VA funding for illegal immigrants nationwide. He introduced a bill called the Alien Veterans Funding Prohibition Act. ICE detention.
Selnick added: “It's time for Vice President Harris to act, not just talk, and do what's right for veterans instead of using them as a political tool.”
The Republican National Committee's official 2024 platform includes a subsection titled “Taking Care of Veterans,” which states, “Republicans will eliminate luxury housing and taxpayer benefits for illegal immigrants and reduce their savings.” will be earmarked for the protection and treatment of homeless veterans.”
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“Restores Trump Administration reforms to expand veterans' health care options, protect whistleblowers, and hold accountable low-performing employees who don't provide veterans with the care they deserve,” the document says. continued.
Representatives for Vance and the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
