Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) will this evening on the House floor make the following remarks on  H.R. 5822, the fiscal year 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.  This bill invests in projects and programs of critical importance to America’s veterans and military troops and their families, including veterans benefits and health care, and military family housing, barracks and mission critical facilities.  The House is expected is to vote on the legislation this evening.

“Madam Speaker: I rise in support of H.R. 5822, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (Mil Con-VA) and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2011.

“I commend my friend and colleague, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX17) for writing a bill that provides tremendous support to our veterans and families. One of the greatest accomplishments since the Democrats regained control of the Congress has been providing the our veterans with a budget worthy of their service and sacrifice.  The Mil Con-VA Appropriations Act for FY 2011 is no exception.

“Since the Democrats took back the Congress in 2007, we have provided a 70 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits.  Some of the highlights of this increase include the addition to the VA of more than 10,000 claims processors to reduce claims backlogs, 3,389 doctors and 14,316 nurses, 145 community-based outpatient clinics, and 92 new vet centers, and more than 47,000 additional Veterans Health Administration employees.

“In addition, the FY 2011 Mil Con-VA Appropriations Act also fulfills a top priority of national veterans service organizations by continuing to provide advance appropriations of the VA. This way, the VA will be better able to plan for its future needs. 

“Other important provisions in this legislation include $37.1 billion to improve access to medical services for all veterans; $5.2 billion for mental health services for our veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury; and $4.2 billion to help our homeless veterans move from the streets to warm homes.

“Madam Speaker: As a veteran of World War II, I am proud to support this legislation which continues the Democratic Congress’ strong commitment to our veterans and their families. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 5822.”