[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2011

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                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 28, 2010

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5822) making 
     appropriations for military construction, the Department of 
     Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year 
     ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

  Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Chair, we have a moral obligation to fully fund our 
veteran programs. The liberties we enjoy today were earned through the 
bravery and sacrifice of patriotic Americans. Congress must ensure that 
these honorable men and women have access to benefits and top-notch 
healthcare. We can never turn our back on our veterans.
  As such, I am pleased to support H.R. 5822, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 
Military Construction/Department of Veterans Affairs Appropriations 
bill. This legislation continues the goal set by the Republican 
majority to prioritize veteran programs. H.R. 5822 provides $56.8 
billion in discretionary funding for the VA and $64.0 billion for 
mandatory VA programs. The legislation also makes available $37.1 
billion to improve access to medical services for all veterans, $2.4 
billion above last year's level.
  Among some of its most significant provisions, H.R. 5822 provides 
$50.6 billion in advance appropriations for VA medical accounts to 
ensure stable and uninterrupted services. It also provides new family 
caregiver benefits for disabled veterans as well as additional VA 
workers to address the continuing claims backlogs and to process new 
educational benefits. To address the needs of rural veterans, the 
legislation provides $250 million for innovative practices to improve 
access to care for veterans in rural areas. This is particularly 
important to many Kansas veterans.
  In addition to supporting this legislation, I applaud the work of all 
the Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) who contributed to the bill. 
From the Veterans of Foreign Wars to the American Legion, VSOs provide 
the appropriations committee invaluable information on the needs of the 
veteran community. They are tremendous advocates for all veterans.
  H.R. 5822 is a good bill worthy of strong bi-partisan support. I 
encourage my colleagues to join with me in voting for this legislation.

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