WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives tonight voted to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R. 5854). The bill includes $582.6 million for medical and prosthetic research, an increase of $1.7 million over FY 2012. When U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire learned last year that the FY 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act significantly cut funding for medical and prosthetic research, he urged his colleagues to restore funding and his amendment to do so unanimously passed the House. Due, in part, to Altmire's ongoing advocacy, funding for medical and prosthetic research in the FY 2013 appropriations bill was increased to build on last year's progress.

"We owe it to the men and women who serve our country to ensure they are the beneficiaries of the best medical research that our nation has to offer," Congressman Altmire said. "Our wounded warriors face too many challenges as it is and I am proud that today, the House has made increased funding for medical and prosthetic research a priority."

During debate on the House floor earlier today, Congressman Altmire raised concerns about the future of the VA campus in Butler, PA, given construction of an offsite Health Care Center, and asked for assurances that services will remain in place. The FY 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act provides $146.4 billion for veterans' programs and military construction projects. The bill passed the House by a vote of 407-12. Video below: