ICYMI: Rep. John Duarte Makes Contradictory Claims to Respect Veterans Yet Proudly Aligns Himself with Benefit-Slashing, Anti-American Freedom Caucus
Punchbowl News: The vulnerable Republican who isn’t keen to bash the Freedom Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, Rep. John Duarte (R-CA) is happy to just be one of the gang when it comes to the veteran benefit-slashing House Freedom Caucus. Today, Punchbowl News reported that Rep. Duarte, although representing a moderate California district, happily aligned himself with the agenda and ideals of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, specifically stating, “I’m not that far from a lot of these Freedom Caucus guys” on fiscal issues like slashing benefits for veterans, attacking the welfare of working-class Americans, and threatening to send the American economy into a full scale meltdown.
Rep. Duarte doesn’t just display his extreme ideology in the interview but his outrageous insincerity as well, paying hollow lip service to the heroism of veterans in the caucus despite backing drastic cuts to veteran benefits just last month.
“Rep. Duarte’s blatant deception around his respect for veterans is shameful,” said Peter Lucier, Courage for America councilmember and Marine Corps veteran. “If Rep. Duarte and the Freedom Caucus he loves so much truly cared for veterans, they wouldn’t slash our benefits or treat those of us who have served our country like we’re pawns in MAGA political games. This hollow praise of veterans has emerged as a common trend for MAGA Republicans in the House. Veterans, Californians and our democracy deserve better. Rep. Duarte may claim to be loyal to veterans, but his voting record shows nothing but betrayal.”
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