Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that the House approved legislation on Monday that would provide the largest single funding increase in the history of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  

Specifically, the House approved the conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This agreement will provide $43.1 billion for the VA, a $6.6 billion increase over FY 2007 VA funding levels.  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.

“This agreement makes a strong statement that Congress is committed to providing the very best healthcare for our nation’s veterans,” said Cramer.  “North Alabama appreciates the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.  I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that the VA is able to provide the healthcare services our veterans have earned.”

The total funding amount provided for the VA also includes $37.2 billion specifically for veterans’ health programs across the country.  This includes $29 billion for VA medical services.  This funding will help support VA initiatives in mental health, substance abuse, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder programs. 

Cramer said, “The VA must be able to support the increasing number of veterans who are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.  This agreement makes investments in specific programs to help the VA adjust for our returning servicemembers.”

The conference agreement for the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act will provide funding for the entire federal government, except the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).  Funding for DoD was signed into law in November.

The FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.