Press Releases

"Our commitment to our service members goes beyond ensuring they have the tools and training to accomplish their mission.  It means we must provide them with adequate housing and base facilities here in the U.S., in addition to top notch care and services once they choose to retire.  Today's legislation fulfills this commitment," said Wittman.

H.R. 3082 appropriates $133.7 billion for Military Construction and Veteran's Affairs (VA) accounts.  The bill provides about $77.9 billion in discretionary spending, nearly 7 percent more than enacted in fiscal 2009 and $239 million more than President Obama's initial request.

Advanced appropriations are included for VA accounts in FY2011.  Specifically, $48.2 billion is appropriated for three VA medical care accounts, roughly 8 percent more than it would provide in FY2010.  This advanced funding places these programs on a two-year budget cycle, thus allowing department officials to plan one year in advance.

"The Department of Veterans Affairs' challenges have been well documented in the past couple of years.  In an effort to address some of the more vexing issues, this bill provides longer term funding for critical areas.  This shift will help provide continuity and increase quality of essential services," said Wittman.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.