Cramer: House Approves MilCon-VA and Zika Bill to Fund Urgent National Security, Veterans and Human Health Needs

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer said he was pleased the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA ) appropriations and Zika Prevention and Response bills. The two bills were combined to accomplish legislative efficiency and passed Thursday.

"The two spending bills that make up this legislation represent urgent needs for national security, veteran care and human health," said Cramer. "It received bipartisan support in the House, and the Senate should waste no time in passing this priority and getting it to the President for his signature."

This legislation funds military construction projects, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and programs to prevent the Zika virus from spreading.

"Through this legislation we are meeting our obligation to support our active-duty troops and their families with improved housing and military facilities," said Cramer. "For our veterans, it provides greater access and improved medical services."

Included in the bill is report language requested by Cramer in the House-passed version of the bill which requires reports on providing additional services and care for women veterans. Other reports requested are how the VA is providing services to veterans with opioid addiction, and a review of the VA's prescription practices and addiction treatment protocols.

The bill also directs the Secretary of the Air Force to prioritize and accelerate the replacement of the weapons storage facilities and nuclear alert facilities at the ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) facilities at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, as well as at bases in Montana and Wyoming.

He said the Zika funding in the bill comes at a crucial time for stopping the spread of the Zika virus. "As our nation, including North Dakota, enters the hot and humid mosquito season, it is critical the Senate acts on this bill now to do all we can to protect our citizens from the threat of Zika."

The bill reiterates existing, strong legislative protections against the use of funding for abortions. And, it includes language to allow individuals or entities to use approved pesticides for control of mosquitos that spread the Zika virus, without an additional permit from the Environmental Protection Agency, for a specified period of time.

The Zika virus is spread to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. A Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. As of June 22, the Centers for Disease Control reported 265 pregnant women in the United States and the District of Columbia have tested positive with laboratory evidence of possible Zika virus infection.

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