Smith, Rodriguez Announce Funding for Forts Sam, Bliss in Supplemental Bill

Press Release

Congressmen Lamar Smith (TX-21) and Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23) today announced that $108 million for construction at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss was included in H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, which passed the House by a vote of 368-60. The bill appropriates $81.3 billion for the ongoing war and intelligence operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and $15.4 billion for military construction, foreign assistance, flu pandemic preparedness and other items.

"This bill provides essential support to our service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan who every day make sacrifices on our nation's behalf," said Smith. "This bipartisan legislation will also enhance our military infrastructure in Texas, including a warrior in transition complex at Fort Sam and a child development center at Fort Bliss, to better serve our returning troops and their families."

"This bill is important to our troops because it rightfully compensates those who continue serving past their commitments to service as well as provides for $108 million in military construction at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss, two military bases important to my constituents, our military and our state economy," said Rodriguez. "Additionally, this bill includes $470 million for continued work to stem violence along the Mexican Border."

Next week, the House may consider a conference report to H.R. 2346 which, if passed, would send the bill to the White House for the President's signature.

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