U.S.
Senator Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Veterans Affairs
Committees |
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For Immediate
Release November 18, 2005 |
CONTACT: Cody Wertz – Press Secretary 202-228-3630 Jen Clanahan – Deputy Press Secretary 303-455-7600 |
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Congress
Passes Sen. Salazar’s Rural Veterans’ Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congress passed legislation that will bring more than $144.7 million in new construction money for military facilities in Colorado and help rural veterans across the country. “We need to support our guardsmen and airmen with the best equipment and facilities,” Senator Salazar said. “I am proud to have fought for this funding to get Colorado service members out of crumbling facilities and into new state-of-the-art facilities. They deserve no less.” The legislation includes two projects requested by United States Senator Ken Salazar:
The legislation passed Friday also includes a provision written by Senator Salazar to help veterans in rural areas get access to VA outpatient care. Under Senator Salazar’s Rural Clinic Access amendment, the V.A. will be required to reevaluate health care policies for new veterans’ clinics in rural communities.
“It is beyond me why the V.A. continues to overlook veterans in rural communities. Our rural cities and towns have sacrificed too much for our Nation and asked nothing in return. Now the V.A. will make veterans in these communities a priority, too,” said Sen. Salazar. Overall, the bill includes $72.8 million for construction projects on Fort Carson; $20.1 million for projects on Buckley Air Force Base, $27.3 million for Peterson Air Force Base; $13 million for the Air Force Academy; $5.1 million for the Grand Junction Army National Guard; and $6.4 million for the Greeley Air National Guard. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the FY06 Military Construction/ Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill (HR 2528). This is the final step before the bill is sent to the President’s desk for signature. # # # |
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