To the editor:

The House of Representatives recently passed (256 to 174) a bill that would expand healthcare eligibility to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with health problems resulting from exposure to burn pit fumes and other toxins. All 174 no votes were Republicans, including Elise Stefanik. Republicans said the bill was too expensive and fiscally irresponsible. Supporters said that caring for veterans is “a cost of war.” This is correct, and society must cover that cost however high it may be.

Come the fall election campaign, Stefanik will be spouting how she supports our troops and veterans, despite this unconscionable slap in the face to American military personnel who served in Iraq in Afghanistan, with many of these individuals deployed two or more times.

This November, Stefanik’s constituents will decide between supporting our ailing veterans or her.

Sincerely,

Phil Newton

Saranac Lake