Calvert Supports Funding for Veterans, Military Housing and Other Vital Military Programs
Press Release
CALVERT SUPPORTS FUNDING FOR VETERANS, MILITARY HOUSING AND OTHER VITAL MILITARY PROGRAMS
Congressman Ken Calvert (R-Corona) was pleased to support the Fiscal Year 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, H.R. 2642, which passed the House today.
"One of the most important duties of Congress is to provide for the men and women who have fought for our country," said Rep. Calvert. "Our military men and women are doing an excellent job in Iraq and Afghanistan and more lives are being saved in the field than in previous conflicts. However, more service members come home with extreme bodily injury as well as psychological conditions then from previous conflicts. This bill provides the funding to help our wounded and ensure they receive the best care possible."
The bill provides more than $37 billion for veterans programs, a $4.4 billion increase over last year.
$600 million for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) care, traumatic brain injury research and care;
$4.1 billion to improve VA facilities, hospitals and clinics;
$2.9 billion for mental health care and substance abuse treatment for veterans; and
$480 million for prosthetic research to help wounded veterans retain a positive quality of life.
Strongly supports active-duty members: The bill provides $21.4 billion for facilities needed to house and train military personnel abroad and at home.
After holding up floor action on appropriations bills, Republicans were able to force Democrats to disclose earmarks in appropriation bills prior to a House vote on the bill.
"After hearing non-stop criticism about earmark transparency, the Democrats went back on their promise to the American people and actually created a process that prevented any discourse on taxpayer funded earmarks which had been previously allowed under Republican rules," said Rep. Calvert. "Fortunately Republicans were able to secure a commitment from the Majority Party that all earmarks will be included in future appropriation bills."
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