Ruppersberger, Fellow Appropriators Pass Bill that Puts Veterans First, Invests in Maryland Military Facilities

Press Release

In their third full committee markup of the fiscal 2020 budget process, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation funding improvements to military facilities and housing as well as veterans benefits and services. The committee marked up the $108 billion Military Construction-Veterans Affairs bill, providing $10 billion over 2019 spending levels.

The bill provides $10.5 billion total for military construction projects -- $207 million more than current levels -- with language ensuring these funds cannot be diverted for President Trump's wasteful border wall. These funds will provide for construction of facilities like barracks, hospitals and readiness centers to enable our military to fight current and emerging threats. They will also support increased troops levels and sustain services for families.

The committee adopted many of Congressman Ruppersberger's funding requests for Maryland military facilities, including:

* $33 million for medical center addition at Bethesda Naval Hospital
* $28 million for medical research building at Fort Detrick
* $426 million for facility improvements at the National Security Agency at Fort Meade
* $12 million for the Army National Guard maintenance shop in Havre de Grace

"I am proud to represent a district and state home to many military facilities and families," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "This bill will provide a direct benefit to them and all of our nation's heroes who make enormous sacrifices every day. It ensures our troops have the facilities they need to bring the fight and provides our veterans with the quality of care they deserve."
Congressman Ruppersberger sought and helped to secure $840 million for prosthetics research. The bill also makes significant investments in veterans' healthcare and services, including mental healthcare, homelessness assistance, suicide prevention, and opioid abuse prevention and treatment.

The bill now moves from the Appropriations Committee to consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

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