Beto O'Rourke Veterans' Plan Would Create A "War Tax" To Fund Future Battles
COLUMBIA, S.C. (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke is pledging to end what he calls "forever wars" and help create a federal health care fund to cover the costs of those who serve in future wars by taxing those who don't.
The former Texas congressman from El Paso unveiled his veterans' proposal Monday, before attending a veterans' round table in Florida.
The proposal says the new health care fund would be paid for using a "war tax," ensuring Americans who haven't served share "some of the cost of going to war according to their means."
The plan pledges to improve the Veterans Affairs health care system and provide immigrant veterans a "pathway to citizenship."
O'Rourke also wants to expand "reverse boot camps" to better prepare veterans for life after leaving the military.
O'Rourke launched his 2020 campaign in March.
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