Dreier Votes to Approve Increase in Veteran’s Funding

May 19, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas,CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve a historic increase in funding for America’s veterans, as well as funding for military and veterans facilities worldwide.The Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007, H.R. 5385, was approved with strong bipartisan support, 395-0.

"Our nation’s military families and veterans deserve the best health care and the best facilities we can possibly provide," Dreier said. "This bill demonstrates an unprecedented level of support for veterans' medical services, housing and other needs that are critical to those who serve our nation in uniform. They and their families have earned more than this nation’s gratitude and respect."

For the first time ever, this funding bill uses the Veterans Service Organizations Independent Budget as its baseline for setting funding levels for veterans medical services. This shows the Congress’s dedication to bringing the community of millions of veterans into the decision-making process that affects their daily lives.

Specifically, the legislation provides a $2.6 billion increase over the previous year’s funding level, ensuring the increase in veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan have their health care needs fully addressed. It also includes funding for ten new community-based outpatient clinics, preferred by veterans for the more convenient care they provide. Additionally, the bill provides $4 billion for family housing construction and operations to ensure that military families have the most up-to-date housing options. Finally, the bill increases the Defense Health Program budget by $1 billion to $21 billion to ensure that active duty military personnel receive the care they need to maintain readiness.