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Attempt To Block VA Funding for NASCAR Fails

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spends $200,000 every year to sponsor the #71 Post-9/11 GI Bill Chevrolet NASCAR. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) does not agree this much money should be spent in such a way.

Rep. McCollum once again attempted to stop the federal government from spending this money on the car, but her efforts were blocked. Rep. McCollum drafted a one sentence amendment, which she offered as an attachment to the $72.5 billion military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs bill.

Had it passed, her amendment would have prevented any bill money from sponsoring "motorsports race drivers, racing teams, or racing events." The amendment failed on an 8-5 vote. The Chairman, however, ordered his staff to collect any further information on how the VA advertises.

The $200,000 the VA spent on the NASCAR car this year got them a personal visit from the car's driver, Landon Cassill, who did burnouts in front of the VA headquarters. Cassill also used his image on VA promotional materials distributed prior to a race.

The VA also spent an additional $250,000 to sponsor the "Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend" at Richmond.  This was almost half of the VA's total budget for GI Bill advertising on just that single weekend. The VA looks at such events as "outreach opportunities." Rep. McCollum continues to see them as a waste of money.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.