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(Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives today unanimously approved H.R.5385, the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007, authored by New York Congressman Jim Walsh.
“The passage of this bill reflects Congress’ commitment to fully funding the needs of our veterans and the needs of those currently serving in the military,” said Walsh. “The bill invests in high quality veteran healthcare and active duty housing, better integrates the defense and VA healthcare systems, and addresses emerging needs for expanded mental health services."
Nationally, the bill:
· Provides a historic $25 billion for Veterans Medical Services - $2.6 billion above last year’s level, representing a 70% increase in total funding over the last 6 years;
· Increases funding by $20 million for facility improvements in existing state veterans’ homes;
· Increases basic medical research funding by $13 million, for a total of $412 million;
· Adds $12 million to upgrade Veterans Affairs medical research facilities nationwide;
· Increases the defense health program by $1 billion, for a total of $21 billion;
· Contains no new enrollment or co-pay fees for veterans as originally proposed by the Bush administration; and
· Increases mandatory veterans benefit spending by $4.2 billion over '06.
For the 25th Congressional District, the bill:
· Provides $8 million for base improvements and infrastructure upgrades at Hancock Air National Guard Base in Syracuse;
· Includes $2.414 million in design funding for a stand-alone Syracuse Armed Forces Recruiting Center, currently based in Syracuse's northern suburbs;
· Secures $2.5 million for early diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Wilmot Cancer Center. The funding is on top of $2.5 million secured by Walsh and Rep. Tom Reynolds in FY 2006;
· Advances Walsh's effort to establish a Center of Excellence in Mental Health at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center; and
· Supports the start of construction of a six-story, $60 million Spinal Cord Injury Center addition to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, slated to begin later this year.
Walsh, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs, has oversight of all national defense facility spending, defense health and housing programs, and veteran healthcare.
The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
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