Press Releases
Luetkemeyer Supports Vital Funding for Our Veterans, Brave Troops and Their Families
Washington, DC,
July 10, 2009
As part of his ongoing commitment to our men and women in uniform, their families and our veterans, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today voted in favor of critical funding needed for military construction, including family housing and other quality of life construction projects along with funding for care of our veterans.
As part of his ongoing commitment to our men and women in uniform, their families and our veterans, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today voted in favor of critical funding needed for military construction, including family housing and other quality of life construction projects along with funding for care of our veterans. Luetkemeyer supported the $76.5 billion House Appropriations on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, which also provides funding for all of the programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs and related agencies. “Every member of our Armed Forces and family members who have sacrificed for their country will benefit from this legislation because it will improve their quality of life, which is the very least we can do for those defending our nation and those supporting them back home,” Luetkemeyer said. “This legislation also provides critical medical services for our veterans who put their lives on the line each and every day in defense of our nation. I was proud and honored to vote for this critical funding.” Luetkemeyer said the bill contains a total of $108.9 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is an increase of $14.5 billion over last year’s level and funds various programs, including compensation for veterans and survivors, pension payments for disabled veterans, widows and children, housing credits, training and tuition assistance and veterans’ medical care and treatment. The bill provides a total of $47.2 billion for the Veterans Health Administration, an increase of $6.2 billion, or 15 percent, over last year’s funding. Funding for the VA Administration includes $34.7 billion for Veterans Medical Services, an increase of $3.7 billion, or 13 percent, above last year. This bill also provides mileage reimbursement for veterans traveling to get medical care. This a great benefit for veterans, particularly rural veterans, who would be reimbursed at 41.5 cents per mile. Under the bill, $48.2 billion in advance appropriations are included for medical services, medical support and compliance and medical facilities, which is $3.7 billion, or 8 percent, above the amount included for fiscal year 2010 in the bill. The legislation also includes $61.8 million for the Battle Monuments Commission, which ensures that our cemeteries and war memorials that are around the world are maintained to honor the achievements and sacrifices of those who have served in our Armed Forces. The bill also provides $14.2 billion in funding for military construction, which is $1.2 billion over last year’s level. This will fund new construction projects, improvements and planning and design for a variety of military facilities, including operations, training and medical care. ###
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