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Crenshaw Applauds Passage of Veterans and Military Construction Funding Bill

First appropriations bill passage of 2008 includes over $113 million for Jacksonville military construction projects

August 1, 2008

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, by a 409 - 4 vote, the House passed its first appropriations bill of 2008 - the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs FY 09 Appropriations bill (H.R. 6599).  The bill provides a record breaking amount of funding for fiscal year 2009, including $40.7 billion for veterans’ affairs health programs, $11.7 billion for military construction, and $3.2 billion for family and military personnel housing.  

Rep. Crenshaw said, “There’s never a time that I’m more proud than when I’m working on behalf of the young men and women in uniform.  I think we ought to note tonight that this is the first appropriations bill that we’ve taken up, and I think that that speaks volumes about the priority and commitment that we have in this chamber to the men and women that wear the uniform. This bill touches literally everyone (in the military) - whether they are active duty today…and those who have served us in the past.”

The military construction portion of the funding bill contained over $113 million worth of projects for the Northeast Florida area including $3.4 million for an aircraft refueling project at Naval Station Mayport that was added to the bill at Congressman Crenshaw’s request.

“I am also pleased that Jacksonville continues to solidify its status as one of the nation’s premier military communities and received funding for several critical projects that will have a significant economic impact in the Northeast Florida region,” added Crenshaw.  

The other projects included for Jacksonville include: $12.9 million for Child Development Center at NAS Jacksonville; $14.9 million to upgrade Alpha Wharf at NS Mayport; $34 million to replace fuel tanks at the Defense Logistics Agency Fuel Farm on the St. Johns River; and $48.2 million for an Integrated P-8A Training Center at NAS Jacksonville (pending the Final EIS).

Crenshaw said, “A lot of hard work has gone into securing necessary funds for these critical projects in our community, and I pleased to have helped make it happen.  Jacksonville won a huge victory with the approval of these projects.”

The bill also includes a Department of Defense (DOD) Homeowners Assistance Fund of $4.5 million to provide help to service members who are forced to sell their home and receive less than what they owe because of a deployment or permanent change of station move.

The Veterans Affairs portion is a 7% increase over last year’s enacted budgets and provides for an additional $1.6 billion for the Veterans Health Administration. These funds will allow the Department to increase access to services, ensure safer facilities and improve treatment including: $568 million to increase enrollment of Priority 8 veterans by 10 percent and $100 million more to increase the beneficiary travel reimbursement rate from 28.5 cents to 41.5 cents.

“This bill serves those who have and are serving us so well,” added Crenshaw.

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