House Passes Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill

Press Release

The House today approved the fiscal year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill (H.R. 5854). The legislation totals $71.7 billion in discretionary funding, which is the same as the fiscal year 2012 level.

The bill provides the nation's military with the infrastructure needed to house, train, and equip military personnel, provides for the quality of life of our troops and their families, and maintains our strong military base structure. It also funds veterans' benefits and programs to ensure that all veterans receive the services they need and deserve.
Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers made the following statement on the legislation:

"Earlier this week, we celebrated Memorial Day -- a day to commemorate those warfighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our nation. We know the risks our troops take to fight for our freedom -- and it is the duty of Congress to care for them accordingly. The bipartisan legislation that passed the House today provides our nation's troops, veterans and military families with the programs and services they have earned as a result of their service and sacrifice," Rogers said.

Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Culberson also commented on his bill:

"This bill recognizes the service of our nation's troops and veterans by providing for the programs, services, and benefits that they need and have earned. And, while continuing this necessary support, the legislation also helps to control spending to hold the line on our nation's deficits and debt," Chairman Culberson said.

The fiscal year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill (H.R. 5854) was approved by the House on a 407-12 vote.

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