WASHINGTON – Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) today announced that legislation to authorize a new outpatient clinic in Brandon won unanimous approval on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives last night.  The facility is expected to improve medical service to about 10,000 military veterans in Hillsborough County.

“I’m so happy to see this move forward,” said Putnam, who voted in support of the measure.  “It’s going to make a big difference to a lot of people, by improving access to medical care our veterans deserve.”

The Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act of 2008 (HR  5856), passed with 416 votes in favor and none opposed last night.  The measure includes a $4.326 million authorization to establish a 50,000 square foot multi-specialty clinic in Brandon that would be an extension of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa.

Under the proposal, a lease for the facility could be awarded in September 2009 and be ready to serve patients by June 2011.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.  As chairman of the Republican Conference, he is the third ranking member of his party’s leadership in the House of Representatives.

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