Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. MICA. Thank you so much, Mr. Culberson, for yielding to me. I appreciate the gentleman yielding for the purpose of this colloquy.

Madam Chairman, as you may know, the new Veterans' Administration Medical Center under construction in central Florida has experienced some serious delays and possible cost overruns that have raised significant concerns for Florida veterans who have earned and deserve this facility.

With Florida's growing veteran population and more veterans returning to our State from current conflicts, this facility is, in fact, key to keeping our pledge to aid those who served our Nation. It is important to clearly state the intent and the serious commitment of Congress that this new facility should be completed as soon as possible, and also make certain that we do everything in our power to ensure that the Federal resources necessary are available to complete that project.

Is this your intent?

Mr. CULBERSON. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MICA. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. CULBERSON. Yes, absolutely, Chairman Mica. We're going to ensure that there are enough Federal resources to complete that veterans facility, but also to ensure that we're good stewards of the treasury and that our tax dollars are spent wisely and carefully. And we're going to make certain that the VA is not wasting money and not engaging in cost overruns, sir.

Mr. MICA. Well, thank you. And I'm so appreciative of your commitment and support. This is very important to our veterans, and we are most appreciative of the commitment you've made to central Florida and those that have served our Nation, not only on this, but all the projects.

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