SHAHEEN STATEMENT AFTER SENATE VOTE ON SAME-SEX VA BENEFITS

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after the failure of the Senate to pass her amendment that would have extended veterans benefits to same-sex couples and their families regardless of where they live:

“It’s tremendously disappointing that the Senate would quietly vote to deny important benefits for those who have served our country in uniform and their families,” said Shaheen. “Veterans served their country bravely, and yet some are deprived of the very rights they risked their lives to protect. The impact of this discrimination is real. Monthly benefits are less; spouses and children are not eligible for medical care at the VA; and families are not eligible for the same death benefits. While I am disappointed, I am also resolved to continue fighting to make sure that all veterans get the benefits they’ve earned regardless of who they love or where they live.”