Prioritizing America’s Heroes Over Foreign Aid

Two Senate Republicans are stepping up to redirect funds originally earmarked for the controversial U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to a cause closer to home: fixing up housing for America’s veterans.

Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) are set to unveil the Veterans First Act of 2025 on Thursday, a bold move to shift $2 billion from USAID’s coffers to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The goal? To build, buy, or renovate state veterans homes, putting the needs of those who served the nation front and center as the Trump administration works to dismantle the agency.

This push aligns with President Trump’s vision to slash wasteful spending, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targeting USAID for promoting what they call a “liberal agenda” abroad.

“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. We should put our veterans before any foreign interests or organizations,” Lee told the Washington Examiner, emphasizing a clear choice to prioritize American heroes over global handouts.

Cutting Through Bureaucratic Red Tape for Veterans

The Veterans First Act tackles a longstanding issue: the slow trickle of federal funds that leaves state veterans homes—like nursing or assisted living facilities—stuck in limbo.

The VA currently covers up to 65% of costs for these projects, but Tuberville argues that limited cash flow leads to “years of delays for homes that are waiting to receive federal funds to match the funds approved at the state level.” His solution is to use USAID’s billions to fully fund all Priority 1 VA State Home Construction projects that already have state backing.

“This critical legislation would provide sufficient federal funding to cover all outstanding Priority 1 VA State Home Construction projects that already have the state-matching funds,” Tuberville said.

“Our veteran heroes were willing to lay down their lives for our freedom. The least we can do is make sure they have a decent place to call home.”

By repurposing these dollars, the bill aims to cut through red tape and deliver results for veterans faster, proving that America’s warriors deserve more than just promises—they deserve action.

Trump’s America-First Agenda in Action

The move to shutter USAID has sparked legal battles, with a federal judge ruling Trump overstepped by freezing its humanitarian work despite Congress approving the funds. Still, the administration has axed over 5,000 USAID contracts and sidelined thousands of employees, a move unchallenged by the courts so far.

Meanwhile, in the House, Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) introduced a companion bill on March 11, slamming the Biden-Harris era for funneling “taxpayer dollars wastefully sent overseas to fund DEI initiatives while the pressing needs of veterans here at home were ignored.”

“Under President Trump, Republicans are getting our Nation’s priorities straight and our Heroes are at the top of the list. I am proud to lead this bill to ensure State Veterans Homes across our country are equipped with the funding and facilities to meet our veterans’ needs,” Taylor said.

While some USAID-backed groups—like MANA Nutrition and Edesia Nutrition—lobby to restore funding for programs like therapeutic food for starving kids abroad, the Veterans First Act doubles down on an America-first stance, choosing to invest in those who defended the nation rather than distant causes.

Do you support Tuberville and Lee’s efforts to reroute funds from USAID to help veterans? Let us know in the comments!