MEASURE INCLUDES 13.6 PERCENT INCREASE IN VETERANS HEALTH FUNDING

Washington, Jun 15, 2007 - "The nation was horrified by the dismal conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, demanding better treatment for our wounded warriors and veterans," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "As a veteran myself, I am pleased to join in approving this funding bill that will greatly enhance the treatment of our veterans, especially in the area of their health care."  Stearns is the Deputy Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
The House today approved H.R. 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.  Explained Stearns, "This bill provides an unprecedented increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs' budget -- the total is $87.7 billion -- an increase of 12.8 percent over the previous year.  Of that, $37.1 billion is for veterans health programs, an increase of $4.4 billion, or 13.6 percent over last year's level.  It also provides $22.4 million for the new Veterans Cemetery opening in the Jacksonville area."  Stearns' language establishing the new cemetery in Jacksonville was enacted in 2003.
"Another area for major improvements at the VA is clearing the backlog of claims," said Stearns.  "There are now 600,000 disability claims awaiting processing, and this measure will provide funding to hire and train 457 people to process claims."
H.R. 2642 also includes $21.4 billion for military construction, an increase of $5.1 billion to meet the need for military and family housing, and to support the proposed increased in the size of the Army and the Marine Corps.