House Allows Ban on Offshore Drilling to Expire, Passes Veterans Affairs, Defense, Military Construction Appropriation BillsSeptember 25, 2008

Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis announced House passage of legislation that funds veterans' healthcare and military housing for Fiscal Year 2009. Also contained in H.R. 2638, The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act., is the expiration of a ban on offshore drilling. The bill now goes to the Senate where it is likely to be approved in the next few days.

"It's our moral responsibility to keep our promise to those who have served our country and those currently serving," said Congressman Davis. "This legislation honors that promise by building upon last years historic increases for veterans' healthcare, claims processing, facility improvements, and readiness issues."

Funding for 2,000 additional claims processors at the Department of Veterans Affairs is appropriated in the bill to help bring down the time it takes to receive an answer on a claim. Military housing and upgrades to medical treatment facilities will also see increased funding by the tune of $3.2 billion and $111 million, respectively. The appropriation measure addresses equipment shortfalls experienced by the National Guard and Reserve; setting aside $750 million to ensure our troops have the tools they need.

Earlier this year, Congressman Davis announced five new veterans' clinics will be built in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District within the next twelve months. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan having served for at least three years will see their educations benefits double due to the ultimate approval of the GI Bill for the 21st Century.

The legislation also allows the moratorium on offshore drilling in the in the Outer Continental Shelf to expire on September 30, ending a 25 year ban first implemented during the Reagan Administration.

"As our independent voice, I have always stood firm by voting to drill domestically where we can as soon as possible. At the same time, we need to continue implementing a long-term plan with a sharp focus on alternatives and renewable fuels and conservation."