House Authorizes $131 Million for Lee County Veterans Outpatient Clinic
Press Release
Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) praised passage of legislation in the House of Representatives today that will authorize an additional $66 million in federal funding for the new VA outpatient clinic in Cape Coral, bringing the total amount of authorized funding for the project to $131 million. The House also approved legislation to increase veterans' benefits and to reimburse veterans for emergency care received at a non-VA facility.
Mack said:
"The men and women who have courageously served our country deserve the best America has to offer. That's why I'm pleased Congress has approved a funding increase for the new VA outpatient clinic in Cape Coral. The new 200,000 square-foot outpatient and specialty clinic will help to meet the needs of Southwest Florida's rapidly growing veterans population and enhance the quality of care available to our region's veterans. With Memorial Day just days away, this is a just and fitting tribute to the tens of thousands of veterans living in Southwest Florida."
The House overwhelmingly passed the following legislation on Wednesday in support of America's veterans:
H.R. 5856, the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act: Authorizes over $2.1 billion to build new and previously authorized medical facilities across the country. This legislation also authorizes a $66 million increase in funding for the new VA outpatient clinic in Cape Coral, bringing the total funding authorization for the project to $131 million. Originally, funding for the outpatient clinic was authorized at $65 million in 2004.
H.R. 3819, the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act: Authorizes veterans without a service-connected disability to be reimbursed for the cost of emergency care received at a non-VA facility.
H.R. 5826, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Authorizes a cost-of-living increase for veterans receiving disability benefits, as well as dependency and indemnity compensation for their families.
Each bill now awaits action in the Senate.
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