Ruppersberger: House Passes Final 2005 BRAC Funding

Press Release

$2.4 Billion Included in 2011 Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today praised the House's passage of a $77.3 billion discretionary spending bill for projects and programs critical to America's veterans and military troops and their families. The 2011 Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which passed today in a 411-6 vote, will fund veterans' benefits and healthcare, military family housing, barracks improvements and training facilities.

It also includes $2.4 billion for the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision, which is scheduled for completion by September 2011. The House and Senate must now resolve differences between their versions of the bill in conference.

"During these difficult financial times, American families are asking us to cut spending and create jobs," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "This bill fully funds BRAC 2005, which will consolidate our military organizations to reduce costs and increase efficiency. It will also bring tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs to Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground, both of which are in my district. Team Maryland has worked hard to prepare for the move, improving our roads, expanding our schools and hospitals, and supporting local government. We are starting to see the fruits of our labor and I am proud that our state will continue to lead the nation in improving our country's security."

The bill provides $56.8 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and $64 billion for mandatory VA programs. It also includes $18.7 billion for military construction and family housing and $1.3 billion in emergency appropriations for military construction projects in support of the war in Afghanistan. The investments in the bill address several significant priorities, including:

* First-time advance funding for veterans health benefits to ensure stable and timely services
* Providing new family caregiver benefits for disabled veterans
* Hiring 4,000 claims processors to tackle VA claims backlogs and processing new educational benefits under the new GI Bill enacted last Congress
* Modernizing Army troop housing for trainees
* Funding critical construction projects of the Guard and Reserve
* Expediting environmental cleanup on closed military bases.

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