DeLauro Stands Up for Our Troops, Veterans

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) voted today to ensure essential funding for our veterans health services and the construction of important training and housing facilities. The fiscal year 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act increases funding by 7.4 percent over last year, strengthening the VA's ability to process claims, address new education benefits provided through the new GI Bill, and provide new family caregiver benefits for disabled veterans. Additionally, it accelerates programs to modernize troop housing, and addresses the needs of unfunded construction for our Guard and Reserve.

With the passage of this bill, funding for veterans' health care and benefits has increased 70 percent over the last three years, translating to 10,000 new claims processors to reduce VA case backlogs, 3,389 new doctors and 14,316 new nurses, 145 new community-based vet outpatient clinics, and 92 new vet centers. This legislation continues Congress's advance appropriations, guaranteeing that the funding for our veterans and their care will be timely and reliable, and ensuring that those returning from war get the support they need.

"Our service-members risk their lives to keep our nation safe, and whether they are still fighting or returning home, it is our duty to make sure these brave men and women have the support and the care they need. We have a responsibility to these heroes to make certain that they are supported and well-cared for on and off the battlefield, and this crucial legislation will ensure that both their mental and physical needs are met," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "The bill we passed today makes sure that the critical funding our troops and veterans need are getting to them in a timely manner."

Key investments of interest to Connecticut:

• Aviation Readiness Center: $41 million to support the President's budget request for a specially designed Readiness Center in Windsor Locks.

• Submarine Group Two Headquarters: $550,000 to construct a new headquarters facility for the staff of Commander, Submarine Group Two in New London.