Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2642, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008.  This measure shows what a high priority our nation places on providing for our servicemembers, their families and our veterans. 

The new Democratic leadership in Congress has faced many challenges in recent months regarding the treatment of servicemembers and veterans.  Earlier this year, we learned about horrific conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, including overused outpatient housing in disrepair, patients confused about where to go after serious operations, and the tangled bureaucracy confronting servicemembers and their families.  It was clear that administrative policies needed to be revised, not only at Walter Reed, but across the system at locations both here and abroad. 

It was also clear that increasing the funding level for military health care was a priority.  As a result, Congress passed a supplemental spending bill that contained an additional $1.8 billion for veterans’ health care, and today we will pass a bill that is $6.7 billion above fiscal year 2007 funds and $3.8 billion over President Bush’s request.  The total amount in this bill is even more than what is requested in the Independent Budget, a needs estimate published by four veterans’ service groups.  If passed, H.R. 2642 will mark the largest annual increase to VA health care funding in over 75 years.

Madam Speaker, we must ensure that servicemembers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have the services they require and as well as anticipate the increasing number of returning veterans who have earned their promised benefits.  To that end, H.R. 2642 provides $43.2 billion for veterans medical care to alleviate the backlogged claims processing system and fund improvements for VA facilities.  I am also pleased that this measure allots $600 million for new initiatives for improving mental health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) centers, $1.9 billion to improve the electronic health records system, and $130 million to assist homeless veterans. 

After a recent visit to the Providence VA Medical Center, I was impressed with the treatment of veterans, as well as the ongoing innovative research at the facility.  I am also optimistic that upcoming construction projects will improve the facility, especially knowing that the VA will play a larger role in the coming years as more servicemembers return from ongoing conflicts.  Today’s bill provides $4.1 billion for ongoing maintenance and renovations of existing facilities, which will help Providence attain its goals.  I am also pleased that $15 million is allocated for the Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, which allows the Department of Defense and VA to increase research, improve access to care, and ensure a seamless transition for our veterans. 

H.R. 2642 also includes $21.4 billion for military construction.  This amount is $5.1 billion above the amount for fiscal year 2007, and will fully fund Base Realignment and Closure.  This funding will also help improve training and quality of life facilities for active duty troops and members of the National Guard and Reserves, all of whom are playing critical roles in ongoing conflicts and need our support now more than ever.  Finally, this measure includes $2.8 billion to help increase the size of the Army, Marine Corps, the National Guard and Reserves over the next five years. 

Madam Speaker, we must maintain strong support for our men and women in uniform and all those who have bravely served our nation, and H.R. 2642 will do just that.  May we all keep those currently serving abroad in our thoughts and wish them a safe return home. 

Thank you, Madam Speaker.