Press Releases

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congressman Rob Wittman voted today in support of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for FY2009.  The bill, H.R. 6599, contains funding for the Veterans Administration, veterans health care and construction of military facilities.

 

H.R. 6599 contains $40.8 billion for the Veterans Health Administration to provide medical care for veterans.  It also appropriates another $30.9 billion for veterans' medical services and $5 billion for VA medical facilities.  In addition to alleviating the unacceptable claims backlog, this funding also provides for increased mental health care to help our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We made a commitment to provide our nation's veterans with top notch medical care and facilities. They deserve nothing less," said Wittman. 

Today's legislation also includes annual funding for military construction, including $24.8 billion in overall funding for construction efforts and $3.2 billion for military and family housing projects. 

In the First District, Quantico Marine Base will receive $150.29 million for multiple construction projects, including $27.75 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar, $36.28 million for an aircraft parking apron and $5.98 million for the Officer Candidate School headquarters building.  Ft. Eustis will receive $14.4 million for unit operations facilities and $3.9 million for a vehicle painting facility.

"The military installations throughout the First District are our backbone.  They're invaluable to the armed services and our community.  I am glad to be able to support their construction needs," said Wittman.