Hensarling Statement in Support of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), a leading conservative and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement today in support of FY 2015 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.

“Every day, hundreds of young men and women answer the call to defend our nation, and every day those brave men and women complete that service and return to civilian life in the country they fought so hard to protect. While we can never thank them enough for their sacrifice, we can and we must ensure they have the resources they need to do their job effectively and to enjoy the way of life their sacrifice has secured.

“Today’s critical legislation supports our fighting men and women by providing them with the necessary support to maintain the strong military infrastructure they need to carry out their missions. By making responsible, targeted reductions in infrastructure spending without compromising military readiness or effectiveness, this legislation also recognizes our nation’s looming debt crisis, which Admiral Mike Mullen – former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – called the greatest threat to our national security.

“This legislation also ensures those who have served in uniform receive the services they earned through their sacrifice. I was appalled to hear the recent allegations of neglect and mistreatment at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. If these allegations prove true, someone at the VA must be held accountable for this outrageous negligence. Today’s legislation provides increased resources for rigorous oversight to investigate what took place and prevent further abuse. It also addresses the claims backlog at the VA and funds other vital programs for our nation’s military veterans to ensure our nation’s heroes receive the best care possible in a timely manner.

“The United States has an exceptional responsibility to stand strong and ready in a world where freedom’s enemies do not rest and threats to our security do not relent, and Congress has a constitutional duty to ‘provide for the common defense.’ That is why I was proud to support this bill.”

###