Mikulski Applauds Passage of Emergency Supplemental

Press Release

Mikulski Applauds Passage of Emergency Supplemental

Bill puts funds in the federal checkbook to support Maryland's military families, ensure best care for wounded warriors

U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today praised Senate passage of the fiscal year 2009 supplemental spending bill. The bill makes investments in Maryland's military bases and families, with critical funding for programs to support military families and provide the best care to wounded warriors.

The bill is now ready to be signed into law by the President.

Wounded Warrior Care and Rehabilitation at Bethesda

The supplemental provides $208.3 million to construct world-class treatment and rehabilitation facilities for wounded warriors at the planned Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda. The funding will support construction of a primary care clinic, additional housing suited to recovering wounded warriors, an expanded cafeteria, and a new fitness and rehabilitation center compliant with the American's with Disabilities Act. The funding will also provide adequate parking and administrative space to for medical personnel that assist wounded warriors with their rehabilitation. These facilities will ensure that wounded warriors recovering from their injuries live and heal in an environment that incorporates the most modern standards and practices for care. Senators Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) were instrumental in ensuring this funding remained in the supplemental bill.

The supplemental also includes $4 million for a new Vision Care Center of Excellence at Bethesda. This center will ensure that veterans who suffer from TBI receive cutting edge vision care to prevent loss of sight that often accompanies this type of injury.

"Whether fighting to defend democracy overseas or standing sentry on the home front, America's veterans have been there for us. We have a sacred commitment to honor all of the promises made to them when they signed up to fight for us, including high quality medical care for wounded warriors. Promises made must be promises kept," Senator Mikulski said.

New child care centers at Patuxent River and Annapolis

The supplemental provides $37 million to build, renovate and expand new or existing child care centers at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the Annapolis Naval Station. The renovations and expansions will help ensure our military families have child care that is accessible and up-to-date.

"Military children and families have stepped up to meet the stress of repeated deployments overseas along with the soldiers, sailors and marine. Military spouses left behind in the United States while their husband or wife is deployed for a year or longer must not have to fight a battle of their own to get quality care for their children," Senator Mikulski said. "This funding will make it easier for Maryland's military families to get the accessible, quality child care they need and deserve."

Fully Funds Yellow Ribbon Reintegration

The supplemental fully funds the National Guard and Reserve Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. This program provides critical support services to National Guard members and Reservists returning from combat. The program is especially crucial because, unlike active duty soldiers who live and work with their military units and have ready access to counseling and care, Guardsmen and Reservists are with their units only during their short post-deployment processing window. After this point, it becomes increasingly challenging for them to access the services they need.

Fully funding the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration has been one of Senator Mikulski's top priorities. Over the years, Senator Mikulski has been instrumental in fighting off attempts to reduce funding for the program, and ensuring it is fully funded.

"We know that the stress of combat and long deployments away from home can wreak havoc on our troops' well-being and family life in the months after their return," Senator Mikulski said. "The brave men and women in our Guard and Reserve have been fighting side-by-side with our active duty troops in Iraq and Afghanistan so that we may live in freedom - they deserve the same support from the government when they return to their civilian lives."

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