Mobile Courant

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Mike Lee have introduced the Veterans First Act of 2025. The proposed legislation aims to reallocate taxpayer funds, formerly overseen by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to pay for necessary repairs in state veterans' homes. This action follows moves by the Trump administration to reduce the role of USAID significantly after concerns were raised about the organization's spending priorities.

Senator Tuberville, a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs of veterans. “Let’s be honest, USAID was largely being used as a Democrat slush fund under Joe Biden,” said Sen. Tuberville. He criticized previous expenditures, citing research in Wuhan and cultural programs overseas, in contrast to the needs of veterans at home. Tuberville noted that more than 160 state veterans’ homes in the U.S. depend on federal construction grants, which are sometimes delayed due to funding issues. The proposed legislation seeks to fully fund priority construction projects for veterans' homes that have secured state matching funds.

Senator Mike Lee expressed support for the reallocation of funds, stating, “Our bill takes 2 billion dollars that was going to be thrown into the USAID money pit and distributed to radical progressive causes across the globe, and instead puts it toward desperately needed housing and hospitals for the men and women who defend America."

Representative Dave Taylor, leading efforts in the House, criticized the Biden-Harris Administration's focus on overseas initiatives. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, taxpayer dollars were wastefully sent overseas to fund DEI initiatives while the pressing needs of veterans here at home were ignored,” said Rep. Taylor. He praised President Trump and the GOP for shifting focus back to national priorities, particularly veterans.

The Veterans First Act of 2025 is part of ongoing efforts by Senator Tuberville to support veterans. Previously, he introduced the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, the Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act, and other measures focused on improving Post-9/11 benefits and services for veterans and their families.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the U.S. Senate and serves on multiple committees, including the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.