Representative Malinowski Champions Increased Funding for New Jersey Service Members and Veterans

Statement

Today, the House of Representatives passed crucial funding for military construction and veterans' affairs. The legislation provides $250.9 billion to support our military personnel, bolster resources for military families, and provide robust funding for veterans' benefits, healthcare, and other programs. Representative Malinowski voted in favor of the legislation.

Highlights for New Jersey include:

$15 million for the construction of a brand new Readiness Center for the New Jersey National Guard. The facility will serve B Company of the "Jersey Blues," 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Hundreds of these NJ heroes from the 44th deployed in the past year from our own communities to frontlines around the world--in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

$22M for construction of a state-of-the-art munitions storage area at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The US Air Force supports worldwide combat operations out its New Jersey logistical hub. The new facility will allow the Air Force to more safely transport munitions through our community and to more efficiently support our troops around the world.

A strong 12% growth to VA healthcare accounts--raising levels to $90 billion. This growth will allow the VA to better serve our district's 30,000 veterans, many of whom depend on the VA's healthcare, mental health programs, and transitional support programs. This includes an 8% growth to VA medical facilities accounts - $462 million above last year's levels -- that will directly benefit the Lyons VA Hospital and other major New Jersey VA medical facilities that our constituents depend on, including the Elizabeth VA Hospital.

Amongst other provisions the funding package will support military families by investing $1.49 billion in military family housing; strengthen our national security by securing $10.4 billion for Military Construction; and care for our veterans by providing $104.8 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, with $12.5 billion in emergency funding to address the rapidly rising costs of veterans' health care.

"America's commitment to our service members and veterans must be one of our highest priorities in Congress," said Representative Malinowski. "Ensuring that our troops and their families have access to the resources they need and have earned, is an investment in the strength and security of our nation."

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