Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Military Construction Appropriations Act of 2011. This measure provides $141.1 billion for military construction of all kinds from military family housing, to construction of operational facilities in the U.S. and abroad. This funding will be used to construct schools, hospitals and other facilities for veteran's healthcare. The Veterans Health Administration has estimated that it will treat over 6.1 million patients next year. This number includes more than 439,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. This measure provides $48.8 billion for health programs within the Veterans Health Administration. Additionally, the bill provides $53 billion for service-connected compensation, pensions and benefits for the estimated 4 million veterans and their families. This measure provides $2.4 billion to further implement base closures and realignments outlined in the 2005 BRAC, including support for the re-stationing of troops and their families from overseas to the United States. The bill provides $1.3 billion to support our troops in Afghanistan and $259 million for U.S. construction funding obligations as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program in that country. For military families living on base, the measure appropriates $1.8 billion for housing as well as for operation and maintenance costs. These funds are used for everything from repairs, to furnishings, management, utilities, and even for mortgage insurance.…”