Veterans' Affairs

As a subcommittee chairman for the House Appropriations Committee, I am very pleased with the ongoing efforts for fiscal year 2006 to help our veterans. On May 26, 2005, I helped pass the FY 2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Appropriations bill. This historic legislation provides the highest funding level for veterans' medical care ever. The support for our veterans' medical care has been increased by $1.6 billion over last year. I am very happy to also report that veterans' medical care funding has increased by 40% since 2001. For the first time ever, this bill also provides for $2.2 billion to go directly to mental health services including a comprehensive study on post traumatic stress disorder. Other veterans' benefits have also been increased by $ 1.5 billion over last year. This increase includes expanded benefits for our Guard and Reserve soldiers such as increased TRICARE coverage. I am also very pleased to report that this appropriation does not contain the Administration's proposals to increase co-pays and deductibles.

Our veterans have been a main focus during the 109th Congress: increases in death benefits, gratuity, and traumatic injury protection have been included in legislation passing the House as a means to honor our veterans. Additionally, Congress has mandated that the Government Accounting Office review all compensation and benefit programs between active duty and reserve components. This will make sure that all of our future veterans receive proper benefits and our nation's thanks. While I am very proud of the efforts made so far in the 109th Congress for veterans, I will continue to fight to improve the lives of all of nation's veterans.

Committee Websites

House Veterans Affairs Committee

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs

Related Documents:

Press Release - Rep. Taylor Votes to Increase Benefits for the Nation’s Veterans 6.27.2006

Press Release - Rep. Taylor Announces New Veterans Outpatient Clinic for Western North Carolina 6.23.2006

Press Release - Rep. Taylor Issues Statement on Theft of Veterans Information 5.23.2006


More Documents...

Related Files:

Veterans Update

Veterans Mailer