Chairman Dent Leads Passage of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Spending Bill Out of Committee

Press Release

Today, Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15), through his capacity as Chairman of the House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA) Subcommittee, led passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs spending bill through the full House Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support. The bill will now advance to the House floor for further consideration and passage.

"This bill demonstrates the strong support that my colleagues and I have for the brave men and women who have endured hardships and sacrifices through their service to our great nation," said Dent upon the bill's introduction earlier this week. "The bill includes significant resources to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to those who are treated through the Department of Veterans Affairs, to meet the quality of life needs of those currently serving, and to enhance our readiness and defensive posture around the world. By maintaining an emphasis on our veterans and military families, and incorporating their feedback, I am confident that this legislation will bring about positive results for our national heroes. This bill will allow us to keep the promises made to those who have served while simultaneously ensuring further accountability and oversight for taxpayer dollars."

The FY18 MILCON-VA spending bill was assembled in a thorough and transparent process that included five hearings, a number of briefings with senior military leaders, field visits to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) facilities, and extensive engagement and conversations with veterans and military families in Pennsylvania and across the country. Further, it provides for an unprecedented level of support for the programs, benefits, and healthcare provided to our veterans and service members through the VA and DOD. Additionally, it would:

Provide continued support and care for 9.8 million military personnel and wounded troops;

Provide medical care for approximately 7 million patients at the VA;

Provide disability compensation for 4.5 million veterans and their survivors;

Provide education benefits for 1 million veterans;

Provide vocational rehabilitation and employment training for 145,000 veterans;

Provide Hepatitis C treatments for over 45,000 veterans;

Provide increased funding for mental healthcare services, such as suicide prevention activities, traumatic brain injury -- TBI treatments, homeless veteran services, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) initiatives;

Enhance military readiness and infrastructure improvements for bases and facilities that are critical to our active, Reserve, and National Guard forces.

"I'm proud of the work my colleagues and I have been able to accomplish in this effort," Dent added. "This bill will allow our military and the VA to operate and plan ahead with the knowledge that their efforts are supported and properly resourced."

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