August 1, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican, voted today for legislation funding the Veterans Administration (VA) and military construction efforts.  H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Administration Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009, was approved with broad bipartisan support, 409-4.

“Meeting the needs of our veterans and military families is a top priority,” Dreier said.  “This bill represents a bipartisan commitment to giving our veterans good, quality care and services.  We have no higher obligation than to our veterans, our troops and their families.  This bill reflects that.”

H.R. 6599 provides $40.8 billion for medical care for veterans and $5 billion for VA medical facilities.  It also includes $500 million for medical and prosthetic research, including trauma and mental health research.  Additionally, the legislation includes $3.2 billion for military and family housing projects.

Dreier also supported two additional measures supporting veterans this past week.  He voted to approve H.R. 5892, the Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008, which establishes an Office of Survivor Relations within the Veterans Benefits Administration.  This new office would provide necessary assistance and benefit services to survivors of veterans.  He also voted in favor of H.R. 2192, a bill to establish an Office of the Ombudsman at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Director of which will be responsible for overseeing the efforts of patient advocates in the VHA and ensuring their effectiveness.