The House passed H.R. 2029, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016, last night by a bipartisan vote of 255-163.
“We put together an excellent bill. One that is worthy of the men and women who sacrifice every day and those who have sacrificed for their country,” Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) said.
The bill funds the benefits and programs that serve over 48 million veterans, family members and survivors; provides the required funding for housing, training and equipping America’s service members and their families; and supports the military’s global readiness and national security priorities.
“This bill demonstrates our firm commitment to fully supporting the nation’s veterans and service members,” Dent said. “Our investment of nearly $77 billion for military construction and VA, 6 percent over last year’s level, is unprecedented. This bill provides comprehensive support for service members, military families and veterans.”
The bill sets total discretionary spending at $76.6 billion. Of total spending, $68.7 billion is devoted to the Veterans Administration. Total funding is $4.6 billion more than in fiscal year 2015. Of the VA funding, $48.6 billion is dedicated to delivering medical services to nearly seven million veterans.
“This increase will help provide for those veterans with traumatic brain injuries, address the concerning veteran suicide and homelessness rates, and speed up the processing of claims,” Dent said.