Whitfield Secures $113.5 Million in House Bill for Fort Campbell | News | Congressman Ed Whitfield

News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative

Whitfield Secures $113.5 Million in House Bill for Fort Campbell May 19, 2006 WASHINGTONFt. Campbell will receive $113.5 million in military construction and soldier housing projects as part of the $136.1 billion Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill for FY 2007 that passed the House of Representatives Friday, according to U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield.

The bill contains $8.1 million for the construction of a new Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) storage and maintenance facility. Because the project was not originally included in the Administration's budget for Ft. Campbell, Whitfield said getting the additional $8.1 million was a hard-fought victory.

The bill also includes funding for several other important projects at Ft. Campbell, including:

$50 million to complete Phase II of the Infantry Barracks Complex;
$26 million to construct barracks for the Sustainment Brigade;
$24.4 million for the construction of a new battle command training center;
$5 million for an on-post child development center.

"These projects will be a tremendous benefit to the men and women stationed at Ft. Campbell," said Whitfield. "Ft. Campbell is one of the premier installations in the military, and the funding provided in this bill will ensure that the post has the resources necessary to stay ahead of the challenges and threats that face our country today."

In addition to the funding provided for military construction projects, Whitfield noted that the bill also includes a total of $77 billion for the Veterans Administration, nearly a ten percent increase in veterans spending over last years level. Compared to last year, the bill increases funding by $25 million to open ten new veterans community-based outpatient clinics and $20 million to make facility improvements to existing state veterans homes. The bill also rejects an proposed fee increase in military retirees health care co-payments, Whitfield said.

"This bill proves the commitment of the Congress to the enduring health and success of our active and retired military. This is the very least that we can do to honor the service and sacrifice of our soldiers. I was proud to support this bill, and I am hopeful that the Senate will take up consideration of this measure soon," said
Whitfield.

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