January 15, 2009

Congressional Leaders Adopt Buyer’s Plan to Include Veterans in Stimulus Package

Congressional Leaders Adopt Buyer’s Plan to Include Veterans in Stimulus Package

 

 

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer is pleased that his recommendation to include veteran-focused initiatives in the pending economic stimulus package was adopted by majority leaders.  

 

 

Buyer, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, sent letters in December to House leaders and President-elect Obama urging them to include over
$2 billion in veteran focused initiatives in the economic stimulus package.

 

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009, the majority party’s plan to stimulate the economy was unveiled this morning. It includes a $950 million provision for VA medical facilities and another $50 million for repairs at VA monuments and cemeteries.

 

 

“I am pleased that the bill included some of my proposals for VA construction projects, but I am disappointed that it does not do more to create economic opportunities for veterans,” Buyer said. “My recommendations included $1 billion per year to reauthorize an expired VA program to help veterans establish and operate small businesses. Another economic provision would provide over $357 million for employment training and job placement programs for veterans, especially homeless women veterans.”

 

 

“Viable economic recovery plans must include job creation and support for veterans who own small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. No segment of our population is more deserving than veterans to become the economic catalyst toward such recovery, and I hope congressional leaders will amend their package to include further provisions to assist veterans and their families.”

 

 

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to:

 

 

http://republicans.veterans.house.gov/

 

 

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