Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital, Improvement Act of 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. STUTZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2646, the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011. This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs to begin major construction projects and enter into leases for VA facilities in 15 cities. These construction projects and leases will help many veterans around the country receive the best care they possibly can.

One of those leases has special significance for Hoosier veterans. Today, I'm very pleased that Fort Wayne, Indiana, will benefit from a lease that will support an important annex to the VA hospital that serves vets in northeast Indiana.

A 27,000 square-foot annex will provide a mental health clinic, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic, and substance abuse clinic. This bill is the final step in moving the lease for this annex into fruition and extending health services for veterans in northeast Indiana. This annex will only add to the array of services already provided by the Fort Wayne VA Hospital. It's not the last chapter in our ongoing effort to ensure quality care for our vets, but it's an important one.

Nearly 30 percent of our men and women returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom who use the VA Health System have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Seven percent of newly returning veterans enrolled in the VA Health System are addicted to alcohol and/or other substances. It's only right to take care of those who have risked their lives for our Nation.

When I came to Washington, I knew it was critical to obtain a seat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee for this very reason. I have the honor of working for the Fort Wayne hospital and veterans health care in northeast Indiana. This bill is not only important to Hoosier veterans, but also for our veterans around the country. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2646.

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