WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Ander Crenshaw, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today (6/1) announced House passage of the Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON) Appropriations Bill – comprehensive legislation that funds the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Program (BAMS) Mission Control Complex at Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) at $21.98 million.

“As Congress continues to set fiscal priorities, my focus remains squarely on keeping our military strong and providing our troops, veterans, and military families with the programs they have earned. House passage of the MILCON Appropriations Bill underscores a strong commitment to those goals on the First Coast and around the globe,” said Crenshaw.

The MILCON bill, which passed by a vote of 407-12, provides $71.7 billion (same as 2012 levels) for military infrastructure initiatives. The BAMS Mission Control Complex at NAS Jax, funded at $21.98 million, will be the operations center for all activities of the BAMS unmanned aerial vehicles. BAMS is intended to provide continuous maritime surveillance and complement the Boeing P-8A Poseidon that is also based at NAS Jacksonville.

The legislation also provides a growing number of veterans and families in Northeast Florida and across the nation with services and care they have earned from years of dedicated service. Among the areas covered are medical services, construction projects, disability compensation, education benefits, and employment training.

Editor’s Note: Full text of the Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill can be viewed at www.appropriations.House.gov

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