Tom Reed continued to stand with veterans by voting in support of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill for 2017. "We care about the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for us. It's only right to fund the programs and services they need and deserve," said Reed.
The bill increases funding for much-needed veterans healthcare programs, including initiatives to improve rural healthcare, homeless veterans' support services, and women's healthcare. The bill increases overall spending for veterans by nearly 5 percent in 2017, and provides a $15 billion increase to the Veterans Administration (VA) as compared to last year.
"We've heard from veterans across our district and our nation who are struggling to access timely, quality care. By holding those at the VA accountable, and increasing the federal resources available to our veterans, we can ensure that all veterans receive the first-rate services and care they have earned" said Reed.
This is the first bill to move forward in the annual spending process known as appropriations, part of the constitutionally mandated duties of the House of Representatives. "We are glad to get the process underway. We have critical needs as a nation, such as taking care of our veterans, and we must ensure funding is available for these needs," Reed concluded.