Congressman Austria Supports Military Construction/Veteran's Affairs and Homeland Security Appropriations Bills

Press Release

Today, the House Appropriations Committee voted to approve the fiscal year 2013 Military Construction/Veteran's Affairs (MILCON) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bills. Congressman Steve Austria (OH-Beavercreek) secured language in both bills to advance important national security initiatives.

"I was pleased to see the full appropriations committee pass bills that strengthen our national security infrastructure, continue our commitment to veterans, and prioritize homeland security efforts, while reducing government spending at the same time," said Congressman Austria. "The MILCON and Homeland Security bills play an important role in the future of our region, specifically in regard to the areas of military construction at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) and Springfield Air National Guard; emerging threats, cybersecurity and homeland emergency preparedness; and providing the necessary resources for the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom."

Included in the MILCON report is language that will address deficiencies at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center and Air Force Institute of Technology. In addition, report language was added to encourage the Air Force to conduct a cost-benefit analysis regarding the construction of dedicated training runways for units like the 445th Air Lift Wing that would reduce transient flight hours and save taxpayer dollars. Finally, language was included in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs efforts to establish a VA National Archives.

"During these difficult budget times, it is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that the Department of Defense is making the best use of taxpayer dollars," said Austria. "I was encouraged to see language I submitted included in the MILCON appropriations bill that will address some significant deficiencies in our national security infrastructure."

Included in the DHS report is language that encourages the Department of Homeland Security to review the need for additional university-based centers, such as Wright State University's National Center for Medical Readiness (NCMR), to provide medical readiness training. The Department is required to report back to Congress on the progress of this review no later than 180 days after enactment of the FY2013 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

"The National Center for Medical Readiness has been one of my priorities since my days in the State Legislature. Our region has the tremendous opportunity to be the nation's leader in premier first provider training, education, and research to help train our first providers," Congressman Austria said.

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