WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chair of the Congressional Rural Veterans Caucus, today voted to pass H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations legislation.  The legislation passed 409-4.

The bill provides $72.7 billion in overall spending, funding military construction and family housing, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and operating expenses for related agencies.

The bill includes $200 million for fee-based care to improve access to care where Veterans Health Administration services are not available.

The bill also provides $50 million to raise the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans who commute to VA facilities from 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile.

"We owe the men and women who have defended this country our very best.  This bill funds the medical care, benefits, and other important services the VA provides for our veterans.  I am especially pleased the bill addresses issues facing our rural veterans.  Many veterans live in rural areas and face long travel times to seek care.  Increasing the reimbursement rate will help, especially in times of record gas prices," Smith said.