WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02), sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough objecting to the VA’s recent announcement that it will expand in vitro fertilization (IVF) to eligible unmarried veterans and eligible veterans in same-sex marriages. Rep. Rosendale was joined by House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (VA-05), Congressional Family Caucus Chairwoman Mary Miller (IL-15), and Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02) in sending the letter.
The letter questions if IVF should be subsidized by the American taxpayer, addresses the issue of parents’ uncertainty of what to do with additional embryos, and evaluates the possibility of the VA violating existing law by creating this expansion.
“An IVF embryo is the earliest stage of life that exists outside of the womb,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Through this expansion, a surplus of embryos will be created which are likely to result in abandoned, or cruelly discarded human life. Accompanying that, legislation has been introduced previously to expand IVF at the VA, meaning the legality of this decision is questionable at best.”
"The VA should be focused on providing timely, quality healthcare to the millions of veterans in our country who have served bravely. Instead, the Biden Administration is once again pushing an agenda, without Congressional authorization, that distracts the VA from carrying out that mission. I thank Rep. Rosendale for his leadership in holding the VA accountable," said Chairman Good.
“Once again, Biden’s Department of Veterans Affairs has usurped the role of Congress. With the foster care system in crisis, we should divert these funds to encourage military families to adopt children who are desperately longing for a loving home,” said Chairwoman Miller.
