FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 22, 2005

Chambliss, Isakson Hail Senate Passage
of Military Construction Funds for Fort Stewart

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga,., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2006 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which provides important funds for military construction at Georgia’s Bases and for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Bill includes $84.4 million for key military construction funds for Ft. Stewart.
 
Specifically, Ft. Stewart will receive:

• $37.5 million for Barracks Complex
• $1.2 million for Shoot House
• $1.3 million for Urban Assault Course
• $17.8 million for Vehicle Maintenance Shop
• $16.6 million for a New Elementary School
• $10 million for a Special Operation Forces Equipment Maintenance Complex

Additionally the Air National Guard will receive $7.2 million to replace the Combat Readiness Training Center at the Savannah- Hilton Head International Airport.

“These important funds will help ensure we provide our Soldiers with world class housing and training facilities for a world class Army,” said Chambliss. “Georgia’s military men and women play such a key role in the national security of the United States. These funds will go a long way in preparing our Soldiers for combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, or wherever else terrorists may be operating.”

“This large investment at Fort Stewart is very good news for Georgia,” Isakson said. “Fort Stewart has played a key role in the war in Iraq, and I am very pleased to see such a strong commitment to them from Washington.”

Additionally, the bill includes over $70.7 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including key funds for the health care needs for America’s Veterans.

“I can think of no higher priority than caring for our nation’s Veterans who were wounded in their service to our Nation,” said Chambliss. “America’s Veterans have made great sacrifices to ensure that we call live in a safe and secure America and for the Freedom we all enjoy. It’s only right that we do all we can for our Veterans.”

“As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, one of my top priorities is to make sure we take care of the veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. This VA funding reflects the strong commitment we must make to the men and women who have served so ably,” said Isakson.

Now that the bill has passed the senate, the legislation will now move to a joint House-Senate Conference Committee, where differences between the two chamber’s versions will be ironed out.

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