Richmond, VA – On July 2nd, Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson issued the following statement on Senate Democrats’ failure to protect the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP):

“Virginia Democrats have once again put partisan politics ahead of serving our Commonwealth, and now military families are paying the price.

As a veteran, it is unconscionable to me that a few vindictive Democrats in the Virginia Senate are holding up critical benefits for our veterans, first responders, and the families of those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. Instead of working with Republicans to take action on this important legislation, Democrats have devolved into childish bickering amongst themselves.

Despite being in the minority, Virginia Republicans have already led a unanimous 92-0 full repeal of the changes to VMSDEP in the House of Delegates. Senate Republicans stand ready to do the same, and Democrats should work with them to immediately pass this bill and send it to Governor Youngkin’s desk for signature.

The utter lack of Democrat leadership on this issue is stunning and an insult to the service of our great veterans and military community. Not only have Democrats in the Senate failed to act, but elected Virginia Democrats at the federal level, including Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and Abigail Spanberger, who wants to be the next Governor of Virginia, have refused to speak up.

Their silence is deafening.”