Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced that the House approved on Tuesday the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2008 Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations bill. 

Representative Cramer, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said the bill provides $43.1 billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a $6.6 billion increase over FY 2007 VA funding levels.  This amount is the largest single increase in the history of the VA.

The additional funding will be used for the repair and maintenance of VA’s facilities across the country, and to hire 1,800 new VA claims processors to reduce the backlog of veterans’ claims currently delayed in the system. 

“North Alabama’s veterans have earned and deserve the best quality care our nation can provide,” said Cramer.  “Congress is committed to helping the VA provide better care to our veterans.  This year’s bill provides the VA with a significant increase to help reduce its backlog while providing its services to an increasing number of veterans.”

The total funding amount provided for the VA also includes $37.2 billion specifically for veterans’ health programs across the country.  This includes $29.1 billion for VA medical services.  This funding will help support VA initiatives in mental health, substance abuse, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder programs

The Fiscal Year 2008 Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations conference agreement was included as part of the conference agreement for the FY 2008 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill.  Tuesday’s action clears the conference agreement for Senate consideration.