Serving our veterans is one of my priorities. Last week, Congress took a step in the right direction by passing the VA funding bill.
This bill provides funding for critical reforms Republicans and President Trump have enacted, including the new VA Mission Act and claims processing for more than 450,000 veterans. I will continue to work to improve service quality and efficiency that our veterans need and have earned.
H.R. 5895, the Conference Report for FY2019 Military Construction and VA Appropriations includes:
• Additional funding for ongoing care, including existing programs and MISSION Act programs like community care, caregivers, and other medical services (such as improved access to organ transplants).
• Funding to modernize the VA’s electronic health record system to provide seamless care to veterans as they transition from military service.
• Medical care funding for mental health services, suicide prevention outreach, opioid abuse prevention and rural veteran health initiatives.
• Upgrades to infrastructure needed for deterrence operations and unique training requirements to counter challenges posed by Russia and threats from the Middle East and Africa.
• Additional funding for family housing and prioritizes funding on construction in the United States for infrastructure and facilities on military bases to support to operations, housing and military families.
In addition to funding Military Construction and the VA, this minibus spending bill includes the Energy and Water Bill and the Legislative Branch Bill. This 3-bill package constitutes a quarter of the 12 spending bills that Congress must pass before Sept. 30 to avoid relying on a Continuing Resolution yet again.
Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.