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WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today voted to pass the final version of appropriations legislation that significantly increases funding for veterans programs and health care and, in a separate section, includes $1 million in federal funding for an advanced water treatment facility in Racine, Wisconsin.

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the conference report to H.R. 2620, the Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies appropriations bill – which constitutes the final version of this legislation – by a vote of 401-18.

This legislation provides for $23.8 billion in overall discretionary spending for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or $1.4 billion over last year. Under this measure, spending for VA health care, in particular, will be $20.6 billion, or about $1.27 billion over last year.

"We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid," Ryan said. "The freedom we enjoy today is their legacy of service and sacrifice. It is right and fair that we make sure our veterans and their families have access to quality healthcare and the benefits they have earned. The legislation we approved today will help honor this commitment to the courageous men and women who have defended our country and its founding principles."

The VA-HUD conference report also includes $1 million in federal funding for the City of Racine Water Utility, which is undertaking the construction of an advanced water treatment barrier against Cryptosporidium and other emerging pathogens.

"I strongly support an advanced water treatment facility for the Racine area," Ryan said. "The safety and purity of our drinking water is fundamental to our health and well-being. The federal funding that is part of the legislation we voted on today is good news because it will help defray the cost of this important project."

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