David Weldon: “I believe that this project is an authorized project. Section 201 of Public Law 103-452, signed into law on November 2…”

“I believe that this project is an authorized project. Section 201 of Public Law 103-452, signed into law on November 2, 1994, states: The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the major medical facility projects for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and may carry out the major medical facility leases for that Department, for which funds are requested in the budget of the president for fiscal year 1995. In the President's fiscal year 1995 congressional submission for VA construction, major projects, pages 2-7 through 2-9, the budget requests $17.2 million for the design phase and $154.7 million for fiscal year 1996 and beyond for the complete construction. The budget submission goes on to describe the proposed hospital. It's clear to this Member that section 201 of the public law specifically authorizes all projects for which any funds were requested in the President's fiscal year 1995 budget request. Under this reading of the law, the committee, through Public Law 103-452, clearly provides an authorization for the full hospital, not simply the first phase--the design phase. Section 201 clearly authorizes the Secretary to carry out the major medical facility projects for which funds are requested. The President's fiscal year 1995 budget requests funds for the VA hospital in Brevard. Additionally, with regard to the chairman's statements that section 202 places a limitation on section 201. I strongly disagree with his interpretation.”