JD Vance Highlights ‘Biggest Difference’ Between Trump And Kamala [WATCH]

Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, highlighted the stark differences between former President Donald Trump’s and Kamala Harris’ approaches to veterans during a campaign stop in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Speaking at JWF Industries, a defense contractor, Vance, a Marine veteran, discussed the importance of prioritizing American citizens and veterans over other groups, particularly illegal immigrants.

Vance addressed the crowd, saying, “When our own citizens suffer, and our veterans are at the top of that list, you know what the big difference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is? Donald Trump wants to put American citizens and American veterans first. He thinks the government of this country exists to serve the people of this country, not people who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”

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His remarks came in response to a question from a reporter about how a Trump-Vance administration would tackle veteran homelessness, especially given that Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of homeless veterans in the nation.

In August, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced over $800 million in grants through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem programs, with $17 million allocated to Pennsylvania.

However, Vance argued that while the funding was helpful, it fell far short of addressing the broader problem.

“Let’s be honest here, $17 million — while it will help, it is not nearly enough to meet the challenge of the homeless veteran population in this country,” Vance said. He emphasized the sacrifices made by veterans, adding, “These guys went off to war. Some of them came back with wounds, some of them with wounds you cannot see. But all of them came back with the pride that they served their country. How disgraceful is it that millions of our veterans are getting left behind, and thousands of them are homeless? Meanwhile, we’re housing illegal aliens in first-class hotels. It’s a disgrace.”

Vance’s comments come amid growing concerns over the prioritization of resources for illegal immigrants over veterans.

In New York City alone, 119 migrant shelters operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are hotels and motels, with an additional 38 hotels contracted through other agencies.

Veterans organizations, like Veterans 4 America First (V4AF), echoed Vance’s concerns. V4AF founder and Air Force veteran Darin Selnick told Fox News, “Senator Vance is 100% correct. More needs to be done for our homeless veterans, especially at a time under VP Harris when the Department of Veterans Affairs dropped the ball as veteran homelessness went up over 7% last year.”

Selnick also criticized the VA’s handling of resources, citing a case in Los Angeles where the VA was found to have “quietly sold off” land designated for veteran housing to private interests instead of using it to build housing for homeless veterans.

Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., introduced legislation in December 2022 called the “No VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act,” which aims to prevent VA funding from being used for illegal immigrants, following reports that the VA had been processing and paying for medical claims related to illegal migrants in ICE detention.

As the 2024 election approaches, the Republican National Committee’s platform includes a promise to prioritize veterans.

Their plan states, “Republicans will end luxury housing and taxpayer benefits for illegal immigrants and use those savings to shelter and treat homeless veterans,” and pledges to restore Trump-era reforms aimed at expanding veterans’ healthcare choices and improving accountability within the VA.

Vance’s remarks underscore a key issue in the campaign: ensuring that veterans receive the care and resources they deserve while addressing the broader issue of resource allocation for illegal immigrants.

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