Appropriations Requests

Multiple Sclerosis – Joint Letter Request (15,000,000). I would ban earmarks as we know them, but as long as these earmarks are available, I'm going to apply for them in an effort to pursue federal funding opportunities for my district. For defense projects in the current earmarking system, the individual projects I sponsor have the support of our military and further our national security. These projects are vetted by the professional staff on the House Armed Services and House Appropriations Committees during the appropriations process. I only request funds for projects authorized by law for federal funding and do not do so for private parties or entities. This project will provide multiple sclerosis research funding as part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs through the Department of Defense Health Program Account. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because approximately 28,000 veterans who are being treated at the VA have a diagnosis of MS; 5,345 of these veterans' illnesses have been deemed "service-connected." The VA MS Centers of Excellence are seeking funding to explore a potential link between MS and combat service and better treat these veterans.