House panel approves $82.5 billion veterans bill

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House panel approves $82.5 billion veterans bill

By Elaine S. Povich, CongressDaily

A House Appropriations panel on Thursday approved an $85.2 billion bill to fund medical care for veterans, Department of Defense health programs, military construction and military housing in fiscal 2006.

Flexing its muscle early in its tenure, the newly formed Military Quality of Life Subcommittee approved on voice vote a bill that is nearly $1 billion above President Bush's budget request and represents a nearly $6 billion increase over the amount appropriated in fiscal 2005.

"This bill represents an opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life for our soldiers, sailors and marines and I believe we have done that," said Subcommittee Chairman James Walsh, R-N.Y.

Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, said that the bill provides a $1.6 billion increase in funds for veterans' medical care and benefits, including mental health services, which called "critical." He said he recognized that money is tight, but said that he hoped the Congress would "take into account" the increasing needs of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, particularly in the area of mental health.


more... GovExec/CongressDaily 5/12/05