Joe Brenckle – 202-226-8273

Renzi Fights to Provide Higher Quality of Life for Military and Veterans
Pushes for Increased Funding for Veterans Healthcare and Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1) today voted to provide a higher quality of life for the members of America’s military and veterans as the House passed H.R. 5385, the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.  The bill is $2.6 billion above last year’s funding levels and totals more than $25.4 billion.  Congressman Renzi has been an outspoken advocate for increased funding for veterans services and voted against the budget because it did not do enough to help America’s veterans. The funding increase will be used to help not only current veterans but will help returning veterans from the conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The bill increases resources by $25 million to open a minimum of 10 clinics in fiscal year 2007.  These clinics provide more convenient care than traditional large hospital facilities.  The bill increases resources by $20 million over last year’s level and the request to make facility improvements in existing state veteran’s homes.  The bill increases funds by $13 million for basic research for a total of $412 million.  In addition, $12 million was added to start upgrading VA medical research facilities nationwide. Mandatory veteran’s benefits are increased $4.2 billion over last year and the defense health program is increased by $1 billion over last year. 

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