Pictured left to right Command Sgt. Major Chalawnda Kelly, Capt. Erica Lynch, and Sgt. 1st Class Erica Plaisance.
(Photo: U.S. Army 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla)
House Republicans have voted to prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs from changing its motto to incorporate Women Veterans.
The motto, which presently only refers to Male Veterans, was going to be changed by the VA to include women who have served the nation as well as other surviving family members. The new proposed motto closely reflects the original, stating: “To honor President Lincoln’s commitment to supporting those who have served in our nation’s military and their families, caregivers, and survivors.”
Republicans, on the other hand, claimed that it would eliminate the famous passage from President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.”
The amendment to prevent the motto change was passed with a nearly party-line vote of 221-212. Republicans included several provisions targeting VA efforts to be more inclusive to marginalized groups, such as barring the department from providing abortions or gender-affirming healthcare. Democrats criticized the Republican amendment, calling for more gender-inclusive language in the motto.
The move to change the motto had gained momentum with VA Secretary Denis McDonough’s announcement in March, which was supported by Veterans’ advocacy groups. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) had been advocating for a change to the VA’s motto since 2017, making Women Veterans their top priority and pushing for a culture change at the VA.
The cost of replacing or removing plaques and signs with the old motto was estimated to be under $2 million. The VA planned to roll out its new signage after August, but the House amendment may complicate the process.
The House is expected to pass the full VA spending bill along party lines, and it will then need reconciliation with the Senate’s version, which does not include policy riders. The White House has threatened to veto the House VA bill due to its partisan policy provisions.
As the legislative process continues, it remains to be seen how this issue will be addressed and whether a compromise can be reached.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.