WASHINGTON, NOV. 18, 2005 - The House today approved H.R. 2528, the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act. H.R. 2528 reflects the agreement reached by the House and Senate, which will be sent to the President for his approval. "I am pleased to support this measure that increases funding for veterans medical care and benefits by $1.7 billion to a total of $22.5 billion. Our nation's veterans have never let us down, and we owe it to them to provide the benefits and services they were promised. I am also grateful to my colleagues for supporting additional funding for the VA Medical Center in Gainesville and the new Regional VA Health Facility in Marion County."
In addition to funding veterans programs, H.R. 2528 provides $6.2 billion for military construction programs. It includes $20.04 million sought by Stearns for the Florida Army National Guard's Regional Training Institute Complex at Camp Blanding. Explained Stearns, "The Institute provides military specialty training, non-commissioned officer training, and the officer candidate school for the South East United States. The current facilities are World War II vintage and are inadequate to meet daily needs."
This measure fully funds the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) plan. "The plan calls for new construction to increase inpatient capacity at the Gainesville VA Medical Center and a new VA Regional Health Care Facility in Marion County providing specialty care, primary care, and mental health services," added Stearns. H.R. 2528 also fully funds land acquisition for the new VA cemetery in Jacksonville, a project I have worked on for six years."
For Further Information Please Contact Paul Flusche at 202-225-5744 or Email.
