SECURES $14.8 MILLION FOR CAMP BLANDING; MEASURE EXPANDS VA COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINICS

Washington, May 19, 2006 - "I am a veteran and serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee; I realize the importance of meeting this nation's obligation to the men and women who served her," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "With the War on Terror and the ever-increasing national debt, Congress must prioritize its spending, and veterans and national defense are among my top priorities."

The House approved today H.R. 5385, the Military Quality of Life & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. "This measure raises funding for veterans health program to $25.4 billion, $2.6 billion over the previous year's level," explained Stearns, "and increases resources for mental health services, prosthetics, and dental care. It also devotes an additional $25 million to opening new community-based outpatient clinics, such as the new Regional VA Health Facility in Marion County." In addition, the bill increases mandatory veterans benefits by $4.2 billion over last year.

The measure also includes funding sought by Stearns for the Regional Training Facility at Camp Blanding. "H.R. 5385 includes $14.8 million for Phase III construction at Camp Blanding," said Stearns. "This project will complete construction of the Regional Training Institute and create a state-of-the-art Joint Operations Center Training Facility. This new campus will allow the school to admit all the students projected to attend and provide the needed support to run the regional school."