STEARNS WORKED WITH HOUSE & SENATE COUNTERPARTS ON DEVELOPING FINAL VERSION OF THIS LEGISLATION

Washington, Dec 8, 2006 - "This legislation represents the culmination of years of work on behalf of our nation's veterans," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "This measure improves veterans' health care and benefits, and authorizes major construction at VA facilities across the nation.  I am especially pleased that it includes the $85.2 million I have long sought for new construction at the Gainesville VA Hospital to improve patient privacy.  It also authorizes up to $377.7 million for a new VA hospital in Orlando, expands the Spinal Cord Injury Center in Tampa, and increases the number of blind patient specialist at VA hospitals.  It is likely that the Gainesville VA Hospital will benefit from these new hires."

Stearns worked with Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate VA Committee, and Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI), ranking Democrat on the Committee, in moving this legislation.  Stearns got 14 members of the Florida delegation together in successfully urging Senate action on the provisions authorizing the construction projects.