Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA), chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Related Agencies, on Wednesday led the
House Appropriations Committee’s
bipartisan passage of a critical funding bill for benefits and programs that serve over 48 million veterans, their family members and their survivors.
“The House Appropriations Committee action today continues our longstanding tradition of bipartisan support of our military, our veterans and their families,” Dent said. “Our investment of nearly $77 billion for military construction and VA, 6 percent over last year’s level, is unprecedented. The legislation honors our strong commitment to our military, our veterans and their families.”
The bill sets optional spending at $76.6 billion — a $4.6 billion increase over fiscal year 2015. Of the money, $7.7 billion will be spent for military construction projects and $1.4 billion will be used to construct, maintain and operate military housing for nearly 1.4 million military families.
“This bill could not have come about without the outstanding bipartisan work and input contributed by the members of the subcommittee and diligent staff work,” Dent said.
The full House is expected to consider the bill next week.