Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has introduced the Heroes Over Aliens Act, a bill aimed at preventing the Biden administration from using federal dollars to house illegal aliens in the United States when veterans remain homeless.

Kennedy emphasized the importance of supporting veterans, stating, “Veterans sacrificed for our country and deserve our thanks and support. The Heroes Over Aliens Act would prevent the Biden administration from prioritizing illegal immigrants over homeless heroes.”

Joining Kennedy in sponsoring the legislation are Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

Cotton expressed his concerns about the current situation, saying, “With so many Americans, especially veterans, struggling thanks to Joe Biden’s failed economic policies, our country should not spend money housing the millions of migrants that his administration let cross our border. This bill will ensure that not a cent can be spent on shelter for illegal immigrants until our veterans are taken care of first.”

Blackburn also criticized the administration's priorities, stating, “In Joe Biden’s America, illegal immigrants are prioritized over our veterans. As homelessness increases across the nation, it is unthinkable that taxpayer funds are used to house those who break the law instead of American heroes. It’s common sense to stop all federal funding for this offensive practice while there are still thousands of veterans living on the streets.”

Cramer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to prioritize American heroes over undocumented migrants. “The Biden administration’s backwards border policies prioritize housing assistance for illegal aliens while neglecting homeless veterans. We must take care of each and every one of our own American heroes before using federal funds to house undocumented migrants.”

According to the background information provided, the Biden administration has announced multiple actions to fund housing for immigrants who crossed the border illegally. Meanwhile, the number of homeless veterans in the U.S. has been on the rise, with a 7.4 percent increase reported in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report.

The Heroes Over Aliens Act seeks to address the disparity in housing assistance by ensuring that federal funds are directed towards supporting homeless veterans before housing illegal immigrants.

The full text of the Heroes Over Aliens Act can be accessed for further details and information.