Veterans protest in Lansing over Iran war costs and VA health record rollout

On Friday, veterans gathered outside a Lansing gas station to protest rising gas prices and the rollout of an electronic health record system they say is harming veteran healthcare. They voiced concerns that the U.S. War in Iran is affecting everyday costs for veterans and asked what the war will mean for those serving abroad.

The protest was organized by the Ingham County Democratic Party and other groups opposed to President Donald Trump’s agenda, including Common Defense and Indivisible Michigan’s 7th Congressional District chapter. Speakers addressed U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte), who has voted in favor of four resolutions asserting Congress’s war powers to limit and wind down military operations overseas.

Barrett said his initial votes aligned with the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires the President to remove all troops after 60 days if Congress has not granted an extension. He also noted that the funding was for military and troop readiness and emphasized the need for portable record access and continuous oversight until the system is fully implemented.

Read the full story at michiganadvance.com.