House Votes to Protect Veterans and Active Duty Military

Press Release

This evening, the U.S. House passed an appropriations bill that provides increased funding for veterans programs and ensures that active-duty military have the support and infrastructure they need.

"It is completely unacceptable that so many veterans are suffering while they wait to receive their benefits due to a back-logged VA system," said U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), whose brother serves as a sergeant major in the U.S. Army. "They deserve the quality health care, job training and other programs that they were guaranteed. This backlog must end."

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill ensures over $158 billion in funding for veterans programs, such as veterans medical services that include mental health care and suicide prevention. It also provides increased funding for the digital scanning of health records and requires the VA and DOD to accurately and quickly share medical data with the private sector so that veterans receive the care they need on a timely basis. The quality of life for active-duty military is also enhanced by this legislation as it provides funds needed for the construction of military housing, medical and education facilities.

"Our world remains a dangerous place and I am so grateful for the Americans who are willing to put their lives on the line in order to ensure my freedom," Brady continued. " These men and women who took an oath to serve and defend our nation deserve our respect, and the benefits and support that they've been promised. Congress will keep those promises. Period."

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