House Approves Increase in Veterans’ Funding

May 26, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today for legislation that increases the amount of funding appropriated for veterans’ healthcare over the amount approved last year. The Fiscal Year 2006 Military Quality of Life Appropriations Act, H.R. 2528, was approved with broad bipartisan support, 425-1.

“I’m very pleased we were able to find a way to increase the funding available to our nation’s veterans, even in this tough budget year,” Dreier said. “Our veterans and their care are top priorities for the federal government and this bill reflects that. This increase will go toward better healthcare and better services for those who have given their best on behalf of this country.”

The legislation includes $28.82 billion for the Veterans Health Administration, including $21 billion for medical services. The appropriation for medical services is $1 billion above the budget request and $1.6 billion (8 percent) above the fiscal year 2005 enacted level. It does not contain additional fees as proposed by the President. Over the past two years, funding for veterans has increased 18 percent. The bill also includes $20 billion for the Defense Health Program, and asks that the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration (VA) continue to expand information-sharing to ensure that those separating from the military service receive a continuum of care in the VA system. Additionally, the bill includes a requirement for a study on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and ways to improve treatment for the disorder.