Rep. Cox's $10 Million for Post Traumatic Stress Research in Our Troops Amendment Passes in Budget Bill

Statement

Last night, the House of Representatives passed a pair of key Fiscal Year 2020 funding bills, also called "minibus bills." Rep. TJ Cox (CA-21) has been very active in this process, fighting for Central Valley priorities often ignored in the funding process. Without legislative action to authorize necessary operating expenses, the government was set to shut down on December 20th. A shutdown would have resulted in a freeze in military pay, critical health and safety programs across the country being halted, and billions of dollars in lost revenue from the economy.

This bill funds numerous crucial projects and fills the critical funding needs for those who serve. In June, Congressman Cox introduced an amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2020 that increased research for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the brave Americans who served our nation, by $10 million. Congressman Cox is proud that not only was his amendment adopted in an overwhelming bi-partisan vote, but also included in the final bill, that will be sent to the president for his signature.

"Our nation's veterans and their families have sacrificed everything for our country and freedom. We cannot let them fall through the cracks -- that's why my amendment was so critical," said Congressman TJ Cox. "Additional research is needed to better understand post-traumatic stress disorder and help clinicians provide adequate treatment to patients before symptoms become chronic. My amendment which is in the final bill heading to the president's desk, will invest an additional $10 million to help inform our health professionals on how they can best treat our servicemembers and communities across our nation who have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychological health conditions."

Rep. Cox also secured funding for defense priorities that will help the constituents of California's 21st District. Military installations including Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore can apply for the following funding programs:

National Guard Youth Challenge Program helps to intervene and re-claim the lives of at risk youth.

The Congressman secured $200 million which is an increase of  $20 million from 2019.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program works to understand the genetic disorder and to ensure that children are not misdiagnosed.

The Congressman secured $6 million for this key research.

STARBASE, a Department of Defense Youth Program focuses on elementary students and their interest in exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The Congressman secured $35 million which is an increase of  $5 million from 2019.

Breast Cancer Research Program is designed to address the urgency of ending breast cancer.

The Congressman secured $150 million which is an increase of  $20 million from 2019.

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