Press Releases

The FY 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill
Provides $76.6 Billion for Troops, Veterans, Military Families and Defense Infrastructure 

Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement after supporting H.R. 2029, the FY16 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill:

“For the 800,000 veterans living in North Carolina, the Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill will go a long way in correcting many of the problems still permeating VA hospitals. This bill provides an additional $163 million more than last year’s levels in order to process VA claims more quickly and reduce the backlog of veterans waiting for care— two unacceptable problems that I know are directly affecting many Second District veterans.”

“In my many conversations with VA hospital staff, I have heard that one of the largest problems facing our VA hospitals is a shortage of staff. I’m pleased that this legislation will confront this problem head on, as it guarantees 770 new staff hires who will assist in tackling claims issues so that we can improve the quality of care for those who served our country.”

“This appropriations bill fulfills a duty and a responsibility that we have as members of Congress: supporting our active-duty service members and improving veterans’ access to care.”

Last night, the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 2029. This bill totals 76.6 billion, which is $4.6 billion above the fiscal year 2015 level. As stated in this press release by the House Appropriations Committee:

This [legislation] represents a 5.6 percent increase over the fiscal year 2015 level for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – including increases for health care, benefit claims processing, the Board of Veterans Appeals, medical and prosthetic research, and information technology. Of this funding $58.7 billion was provided in the fiscal year 2015 appropriations bill. Military construction is increased by $904 million over the fiscal year 2015 enacted level, which allows for full funding of family housing, construction of hospitals and health facilities, and support for critical overseas investments. 

Click here for specific bill highlights, as provided by the House Appropriations Committee.

Click here to view H.R. 2029 – FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.