House conservatives stall veterans bill amid SAVE America Act fight

A major veterans benefits package is set to return to the House floor after the July recess, but its progress remains tied to a broader Republican dispute over the SAVE America Act, according to lawmakers and veterans advocates. The bill, called the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, combines about 60 separate measures and would expand community care, strengthen benefits for combatwounded veterans, caregivers and Gold Star families, and add more mental health services and other reforms. House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost said he plans to bring it back for a vote as soon as the House reconvenes. The measure was blocked in late June when a procedural vote failed after 14 Republicans joined Democrats in opposition, halting House floor action. Some lawmakers said they were protesting how leadership handled the SAVE America Act, a Trumpbacked bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Supporters of the veterans bill warned that with only 23 legislative days left, further delays could push the legislation off the calendar.