Pearce Votes to Increase Funding for Veterans and Military Construction

Statement

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2016 (H.R. 2029) by a vote of 255 to 163. Following his vote for passage, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce issued the following statement:

"Today's vote signals the continued change in Congress demanded by the American people in November. With passage of this legislation, the House shows its ability to work efficiently and effectively by passing a bipartisan appropriations bill. In fact, this is the earliest the appropriations process has started in the House since the 1970's," Pearce stated.

"This legislation increases funding for military construction projects, providing for quality housing for our military families. It enables the training and equipment necessary to keep our military members at peak readiness. In New Mexico alone this bill helps all three Air Force bases - Cannon AFB, Holloman AFB, and Kirtland AFB -- as well as Ft. Bliss, by continuing to fund the construction of the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

"H.R. 2029 fully commits to ensuring our brave men and women are given the best care our nation can provide, while continuing to reform a disoriented, disengaged bureaucratic VA. Taxpayers and veterans alike demand an accountable VA -- and this bill gives opportunities to do just that. This legislation increases rigorous reporting requirements, expands oversight of spending projects, addresses mismanagement and cost overruns, and hires more staff to finally clear the backlogged claims and appeals process.

"Notably, the bill strongly recommends that the VA expand the Choice Card program, which allows those veterans who must wait more than 30-days for an appointment or drive more than 40 road miles to their closest VA facility to seek care locally. This bill demands that the VA go further by expanding benefits to include measuring time and distance travelled to a location offering a specific medical treatment, instead of simply measuring distance to the nearest VA facility. The VA is a long way from perfect. Significant reform is still needed to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve. The bill today is a strong step forward," Pearce concluded.

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