Westmoreland Backs Bill Supporting Military Quality of Life
Westmoreland Backs Bill Supporting Military Quality of Life
U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland voted Thursday for the Military Quality of Life Appropriations Act, which will fund projects for our troops and veterans.
"This legislation honors those past and present who've put on the uniform in service of our nation," Westmoreland said. "The Military Quality of Life Appropriations Act provides significant support for health care and housing, and House passage of the bill is a fitting way to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend - we remember those who've made the ultimate sacrifice by providing for those who put their lives on the line today.
"Over the last five years, funding for Veterans Medical Services has increased by 40 percent and funding for the Department of Defense Health Program has increased 65 percent. Providing for our soldiers and veterans has been and will continue to be a top priority for this Congress and for President Bush."
Veterans Medical Care and Benefits:
Veterans Medical Services are funded at $21 billion, $1 billion above the budget request and $1.64 billion above FY05. Over the last two years, funding for Veterans medical care has increased by 18%.
Does not contain additional fees as proposed by the President.
Mental Health ServicesFor the first time ever, $2.2 billion is fenced for specialty mental health care and the bill doubles funding for mental health research.
Veteran benefits are increased by $1.5 billion over last year, reflecting expanded benefits for Guard and Reserve personnel.
Defense Health Program:
The bill provides $20 billion for the Defense Health Program, an increase of $1.8 billion over the FY 2005 enacted level. This amount includes $210 million for Cancer Research.
Military Construction:
Total military construction funding is $5.8 billion, $496 million above the request and $232 million above last year's level. $4.9 billion for active duty construction, $288 million above the request.
$1.7 billion for Army, $172 million above the request.
$1.1 billion for Navy, $80 million above the request.
$1.2 billion for Air Force, $102 million above the request.
$977 million for Defense-wide, $66 million below the request.
$931 million for Guard/Reserve, $208 million above the request.
$4.2 billion for family housing construction and operations, $41 million below the request and $127 million above last year. Reduction is directed at excessive management costs.
Other Items:
Bill requires a comprehensive study on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder focusing on improving mental health research, care, and access to information. In addition, VA and DOD are instructed to do a report on Seamless Transition, on internal and external obstacles to transition, current plans to overcome the problems and recommendations that would continue to enhance the continuity of care.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga08_westmoreland/milqual.html