Congressman Taylor introduces bill to prioritize funding for State Veterans Homes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today introduced the Veterans First Act of 2025, which will redirect wasteful USAID taxpayer dollars toward much-needed repairs in State Veterans Homes. Rep. Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01), Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08), Rep. Bob Onder (MO-03), and Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10) joined Congressman Taylor in the introduction of this bill.
“Our veterans put America first in their service to our country, and it’s only fair that we return the favor,” said Congressman Taylor. “We should be directing taxpayer dollars to ensure our State Veterans Homes have the funding they need instead of sending it overseas for DEI initiatives in Serbia. Under President Trump, Republicans are getting our Nation's priorities straight - and veterans are at the top of the list."
Specifically, this bill would:
• Redirect $2 billion of USAID funds toward State Veteran Home repairs and renovations.
• Provide sufficient funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home Construction grants. These are ready-to-go projects that already possess state-matching funds and are only awaiting federal matching funds to begin work.
• Put America’s veterans first and reorient our nation’s spending priorities toward where they belong.
The full bill text is available here:L https://taylor.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/taylor.house.gov/files/evo-….
Background
There are over 160 State Veteran Homes across the United States that provide long-term care to eligible military veterans. With at least one in every state, these VA-supported facilities serve roughly 20,000 veterans. In Ohio, there are two State Veterans Homes - one in Georgetown and one in Sandusky.
The VA offers construction grants that cover up to 65% of renovation costs, but funding constraints can cause delays lasting years as they wait to receive federal dollars to match state-level funding.
Congressman David Taylor represents Ohio’s Second Congressional District which includes Clermont, Clinton, Pike, Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross, Scioto, Pickaway, Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Lawrence, Gallia and Meigs counties, as well as part of Fayette County. Taylor serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Agriculture Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, Taylor worked as an assistant prosecutor for Clermont County before joining his family’s concrete business, where he ultimately served as President. Please visit taylor.house.gov for more information.