HISTORIC VETERANS LEGISLATION PASSES THE HOUSE
Congressman Kingston praises increased funding for medical services, new facilities
The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a veterans funding at historic levels. Congressman Jack Kingston (R/GA-1), a member of the House Appropriations Committee which drafted the measure, praised the passage of the bill.
“With the tenth-largest population of veterans, this funding is crucial for the First District. From record-setting funding for medical services that will address new areas of need to additional resources that will help break the logjam in claims processing, this bill is essential to honoring the service of our brave troops,” Congressman Kingston said. “My office has always had a strong emphasis on supporting our veterans and we are honored to have so many in our district.”
The bill, which passed the House today by a vote of 409-4, provides $47.7 billion for veterans’ medical care, claims processors, and facility improvements. It is an increase of nearly $5 billion over last year’s funding and nearly $3 billion over the President’s request.
Medical services, which receives the majority of funding, provides focus on enrolling currently uninsured veterans, substantial investments in mental health and substance abuse, assistance for homeless veterans, and new generation prosthetics. It also fully funds the increased travel reimbursement for veterans who must drive long distances to access the health care.
“As the needs of our veterans evolve, so must the system which provides their care,” said Congressman Kingston. “Our troops provide our nation with world class service and we should provide them with world class health care.”
The bill also provides $5 billion in funding for ongoing maintenance and renovations of existing facilities to address identified shortfalls and to ensure the Department’s facilities remain capable of performing their duties. In addition, the bill provides $1.9 billion to fund the recommendations made by the Capitol Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES).
“The construction section of the bill provides funding for the new Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Hinesville and Brunswick,” Congressman Kingston said. “Both of these should be opened within a year and will provide relief from long drives many veterans must face to receive their care. While securing funding for these facilities was a great success, I’m still pushing for a clinic in Waycross and will continue working with the VA to get that done.”
Other veterans funding contained in the bill includes $165 million for extended care facilities, $87.8 million to provide for oversight activities including inspections of veterans facilities, and $55.5 million for the care and operation of our military monuments and cemeteries around the world.
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