Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that the House approved the Fiscal Year 2008 Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations Bill.

Representative Cramer, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said the bill provides $8.2 billion for the implementation of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission’s (BRAC) 2005 recommendations.  This total fully funds the Administration’s request for BRAC.  The bill also appropriates $9.7 billion for military construction and family housing projects throughout the military not directly related to BRAC.

“This funding will ensure that our military continues to modernize and improve their facilities at Redstone and across the country,” said Cramer.

Also included in Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill was $87.7. billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a $9.9 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 1,000 new VA claims processors to reduce the backlog of veterans’ claims currently delayed in the system. 

The total funding amount provided for the VA also includes $37.1 billion specifically for veterans’ health programs across the country.  This includes $28.9 billion for VA medical services, $2.9 billion for VA mental health and substance abuse programs, and $600 million for a new initiative supporting VA mental health and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder programs

“Our veterans in North Alabama and across the country have proudly defended the nation during both times of war and peace.  They have earned and deserve the best quality care the VA can provide,” said Cramer.  “This funding increase will help the VA reduce its backlog and provide services to more veterans.”