Kimberly Overman
for Congress
Florida District 12
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, FL
July 20, 2026
Kimberly Overman: Congress Must Keep Its Promise to Our Veterans — Stop Balancing the Budget on Their Backs
“Veterans Should Never Pay for Washington’s Budget Mistakes” – Kimberly Overman, Congressional Candidate Florida District 12
Kimberly Overman, candidate for Congress in Florida’s 12th Congressional District, today called on Congress to reject any effort to reduce earned veterans’ benefits and instead take responsibility for solving the fiscal challenges created by its own budget decisions.
Recent reporting indicates that House leaders have delayed consideration of the “Take Care of America’s Veterans Act” following bipartisan concerns that the legislation would finance new veterans’ programs by reducing future disability compensation related to conditions such as tinnitus and sleep apnea. Public reports have stated that the proposal includes benefit expansions for some veterans while osetting costs through changes to disability compensation affecting future claims.
“Veterans fulfilled their promise to America. America must fulfill its promise to our veterans,” said Overman. “When men and women put on the uniform and volunteer to defend our nation, we make a commitment that the benefits they earn through their service will be there when they need them. That commitment should never become a bargaining chip in Washington budget negotiations.”
Overman criticized what she described as a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility that creates pressure to cut programs Americans have earned and depend upon.
“Members of Congress who voted for massive deficit-expanding legislation cannot now claim that the solution is to reduce benefits for veterans,” Overman said. “My opponent, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, supported the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ Now veterans are being told that the cost of honoring commitments to combat-injured veterans and military families must somehow be paid for by reducing benefits elsewhere. That’s the wrong approach.”
According to public reporting, debate over the House veterans package has centered on proposals affecting future disability ratings for tinnitus and sleep apnea while using the resulting savings to fund other veterans’ priorities, including the Major Richard Star Act and benefits for surviving military spouses.
“We should not be forcing veterans to compete against other veterans for the benefits they have earned,” Overman said. “Congress created this problem. Congress needs to solve it. The answer is not taking benefits away from one group of veterans to provide benefits to another.”
As a former Hillsborough County Commissioner and candidate for Congress, Overman pledged to:
- Protect earned veterans’ disability benefits.
- Oppose efforts to reduce benefits to offset unrelated budget decisions.
- Support full funding for veterans’ healthcare and earned services.
- Work across party lines to ensure promises made to veterans are promises kept.
- Demand responsible budgeting that does not shift the burden onto veterans and military families.
- Protect earned veterans’ disability benefits.
“Leadership matters,” Overman added. “Real leadership means honoring our commitments, telling the truth about the consequences of our votes, and solving the problems we create instead of sending the bill to veterans who have already sacrificed enough for this country.”
“Florida’s veterans deserve leaders who will stand with them, not leaders who remember them only when it’s time for a photo opportunity or a campaign speech. If Congress can find trillions of dollars for other priorities, it can certainly keep faith with the men and women who defended our freedom.”
About Kimberly Overman
Kimberly Overman is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 12th Congressional District. A former Hillsborough County Commissioner, small business owner, retired financial professional, mother, grandmother, and caregiver raising her grandson, Overman is running on a platform of protecting Social Security and Medicare, supporting veterans and military families, lowering costs for working families, expanding
affordable housing, and delivering leadership that listens.
###
Media Contact:
Overman for Congress – Florida District 12
813-720-7719
4610 N Central Avenue
Tampa, FL 33603
Vote@kimberlyoverman.com
Fuel a campaign powered by people, not special interests.
Your support helps us connect with voters, grow our movement, and deliver real change. Chip in today to help Kimberly fight for Florida’s families and future.
This movement starts
with you.
Whether you can knock doors, make calls, or share our message online—there’s a place for you on Team Overman. Sign up and help us bring integrity and results back to Congress.