(Washington, DC)—Tomorrow, during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II will announce that two new construction projects totaling more than $9.3 million have been approved for the Kansas City VA Hospital by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The funding for the new construction was made possible by a $397 million increase over the President’s request for VA minor construction, supported by Cleaver, in the final 2008 Appropriations bill signed into law in December. 

“I take great pride in being close with the veterans in our community. They have done so much for our nation, both while in the service and after they came home. It has been a huge frustration of mine since coming to Congress, that the needs of these men and women who have given so much have been ignored,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II.

“I believe deeply that our country’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have a binding covenant with America. When they put on the uniform of our nation’s armed services, and we send them into harm’s way to defend our freedoms, they upheld their end of the covenant,” said Cleaver. “For far too long, our government has failed to hold up its end of the bargain. Our veterans risked their lives, and in return, we said we would take care of them when they came home.”

“All the medals, parades and 21-gun salutes do not replace competent health care and a comfortable retirement,” said Cleaver. “Our veterans held the line in defense of our liberty; they should not have to wait in line to receive the health care we promised them. This money will improve the VA hospital in Kansas City and help them to provide better and more timely care to our veterans.”

Kansas City VA Construction Projects:

- $3.388 million to renovate the dialysis facilities.

- $5.976 million to renovate the inpatient surgery facility.

Who: Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, and officials from the Kansas City VA hospital

What: Announcement of $9.3 million in federal construction money for upgrades and renovations at the Kansas City VA Hospital

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: Kansas City VA Medical Center (5th Floor Conference Room)

4801 Linwood Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64128

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.