Capitol News

Veterans from Michigan’s 7th and 10th Congressional Districts criticized their representatives, U.S. Reps. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) and John James (R-Shelby Twp.), for supporting measures that reduce funding to health care, food assistance, and veterans’ programs. The comments were made during a press conference hosted by Michigan Families for Fair Care on Veterans’ Day.

Both Barrett and James voted in favor of the GOP tax law, which did not extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. John James has also faced questions about rising health care costs and has indicated he may consider ending Medicaid expansion in Michigan.

Steve Monti, an Army veteran from the 7th District, expressed his disappointment: “Even after service, I think a lot of veterans just have this inherent or developed sense that we need to take care of our fellow citizens,” Monti said. “I just can’t understand how Tom Barrett can lose that, or maybe he never had it, because the only people he’s taking care of are his donors.”

Monti added that as someone represented by Barrett, it is especially troubling given both representatives' military backgrounds: “I just don’t understand how Tom Barrett can see his people, and just the anticipation of these cuts coming into effect, that he’s already voted for, is causing real world consequences, and he’s holding firm, and he’s hiding from his constituents,” Monti said. “Tom Barrett has yet to hold one town hall in person, and he knows that none of his constituents support him, and he hides behind the fact that he’s a veteran and he’s a disgrace.”

Sean McLaughlin, a Marine Corps veteran from Barrett's district who is involved with Common Defense—a progressive veterans’ advocacy group—emphasized Medicaid's role in providing services such as dental care not covered by other veteran health systems. He warned about reductions in mental health coverage for veterans and potential closures of rural hospitals like one in Carson City if Medicaid funding is cut.

“Really listen, Representative Tom Barrett. Fund SNAP and healthcare, not billionaires,” McLaughlin said. “That’s what we need. That’s what this community needs, and that’s your job. Do it. Side with the veterans, side with your community, and not the interests.”

Joel Rutherford from Warren in the 10th District highlighted reliance on Medicaid among veterans who do not qualify for VA health benefits: “The ‘Big Billionaires Bill’ stripped work requirement exemptions from over 300,000 veterans nationwide. That’s 38,000 that are in Michigan,” Rutherford said regarding legislation passed earlier this year known as One Big Beautiful Bill.

“I see veterans in Macomb County who are trying to live on $1,000 a month or less," Rutherford continued,"and yet you want to cut things for them.” He concluded: "Cutting Medicaid means cutting lifelines for veterans struggling with PTSD, addiction and chronic conditions," adding "I expect better from veterans and obviously John James and Tom Barrett have totally forgotten about us."