Cole Supports MILCON and Veterans Affairs Funding Bill on House Floor
Washington, DC – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4974, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2017. The legislation provides $7.9 billion in funding for new and ongoing military infrastructure projects and provides $73.5 billion in funding for programs, assistance and benefits to serve our nation’s veterans.
Of particular importance to Oklahoma, the legislation includes $76.6 million in funding for military construction in the state, including $65 million for those located in the Fourth District. Specifically, $22 million is included for the National Guard Readiness Center in Ardmore. At Tinker Air Force Base, $17 million is included for the KC-46A tanker depot system integration laboratory and $26 million for the E-3G mission and flight simulator training facility. Altus Air Force Base will receive $11.6 million for the second phase of the construction for the KC-46A Tanker simulator training facility.
In response to mismanagement and wasteful spending at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the legislation helps ensure veterans get the care they were promised in a timely manner. The bill also recommends and funds greater VA oversight and accountability and directs modernization of the electronic health records system. Additionally, the legislation requires reports on how the VA provides services to veterans with opioid addiction and a review of the VA’s prescription practices and addiction treatment protocols
The bill also includes language prohibiting the Administration’s proposed closure of the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station and limits transfer of terror suspects out of that facility.
“I am pleased that House acted responsibly to fulfill the responsibility we have to our active-duty service members, veterans and their families,” said Cole. “The funding bill passed this week reaffirms the bipartisan commitment to providing first-rate tools, resources and care to our brave individuals from the moment they commit to serve onward. I am encouraged that this legislation included solutions for confronting and correcting the inexcusable mistreatment of veterans at the VA and aims to ensure such injustice never occurs again.”
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Contact:Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165