U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Announces Monumental Increase in Support for our Military and Veterans

Today, Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) voted to support our troops and honor our nation's veterans by increasing funding for critical veteran health care benefits and services and the construction of new troop housing, as part of the fiscal year 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which today passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 415-3:

"This Appropriations Bill fulfills our most solemn pledge as a nation – to care for our troops, their families, and our veterans by providing them the support and care they need. There is no full way to repay our servicemen and women for the sacrifices they've made, but we can do our part to ensure that their families receive the help and resources they need at home. With passage of this bipartisan legislation, Congress will uphold its commitment to improving critical health care services for veterans, constructing new troop housing, and funding mental health initiatives," Meek said.

"As our servicemen and women fight two wars, it is critical that Congress do its part, too. Our military and veterans deserve nothing less. Since 2007, Congress has increased veteran health care and benefits funding by 58%. This demonstrates a historic commitment to our military families in their time of need."

Specifically, the legislation adds 30 community based outpatient clinics, 28 Vet Centers, and 6,992 staff for the Veterans Health Administration. These resources will improve access to rural veteran health care services and access for middle and lower income Priority 8 veterans. In all, the bill provides $77.9 billion in discretionary funding for the 2010 fiscal year, including $2.8 billion for new military hospitals, $1 billion for new child care centers servicing 20,000 military children, $4.6 billion for VA mental health initiatives treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and $570 million for the construction of new Army troop barracks.