For Immediate Release
Friday, August 1, 2008
Contact: Josh Moenning
(402) 438-1598
Washington, DC - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today voted to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction. The legislation is the first Fiscal Year 2009 spending bill to be considered by the House. It boosts overall funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs by 13.8%, continuing a series of substantial increases that has more than doubled veterans funding since 2001.
“We have an obligation to serve those who have served our nation,” Fortenberry said. “I am pleased that Congress has prioritized the passage of veterans funding for 2009.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs includes the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Within the Department, Veterans Health Administration funding is increased 17.8% over 2008 levels.
“All brave men and women of the United States military, particularly those injured while serving our country, deserve the best possible medical care,” Fortenberry said.
Other features of the bill include a 46% increase in mileage re-imbursement for certain travel to Veterans Hospitals and Clinics from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents per mile, nearly doubled funding for State Extended Care facilities, and investments in information technology necessary to continue the modernization of the Veterans Health Administration.
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