WARWICK, R.I. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted for H.R. 3082, the FY2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which will appropriate $133.7 billion for military construction, veterans programs, and four smaller related agencies.  Included in the final legislation was an amendment sponsored by Langevin and Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) supporting full funding for the United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Veterans Program. 

“I am proud of our troops and veterans. I am grateful for their service and immeasurable sacrifice, and I wholeheartedly support this legislation to give them the services they have earned,” said Langevin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “These are absolute necessities for the brave men and women who serve our nation.”

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act will:
• Strengthen quality health care for more than six million patients
• Provide advance funds for veterans health services in 2011
• Improve electronic health records and paperless benefits processing to make veterans health care more efficient
• Invest in mental health services and critical medical and prosthetic research
• Construct key facilities for training and housing
• Recognize the critical contribution made by reserve personnel and address urgent unfunded requirements
• Support military families with military child care centers and military family housing
• Provide community-based readjustment counseling for veterans and their families

The Langevin/Filner amendment will provide an additional $3.5 million to fully fund the United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Veterans Program.  This program provides a unique opportunity for personal recovery and achievement for our wounded service members who return from combat with serious and life-changing injuries. 

“The Paralympics program has already touched thousands of lives, and with additional resources it can help countless more veterans regain both physical strength and self-esteem,” continued Langevin.  

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