Bipartisan VA benefits bill for gay couples set for introduction

Legislation intended to ensure same-sex couples across the country are eligible for veterans benefits — even in non-marriage equality states — is set for reintroduction in the U.S. House on Wednesday. Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) is slated to introduce the bill, the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act, in the aftermath of a speech she delivered Tuesday on the House floor on the measure.

“Our men and women in uniform do not serve in defense of a particular state, but of the United States,” Titus said. “All veterans should have access to all federal benefits, regardless of where they live, just as they do when they are in the military.”

In her speech, Titus invoked the memory of President Lincoln, who during his second inaugural address pledged the country would care for veterans that served in the American Civil War.

“When President Lincoln laid out his vision of caring for veterans, he said we should support those ‘who shall have borne the battle,'” Titus said. “He didn’t say anything about discriminating against some because of who they love.”