Jeff Fortenberry: “America wants Congress to get things done, and lately that's been pretty tough. A deep philosophical divide often…”

“America wants Congress to get things done, and lately that's been pretty tough. A deep philosophical divide often separates us, but there are certain things that have to get done. The military has to protect our country, and America has to care for her veterans. While Congress is stuck in many areas, both parties this morning took a unified step forward in defense of our country and in service to our veterans. Mr. Speaker, in a small hearing room right below here, the Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations Committee said ``yes'' in a bipartisan manner to meet our Defense Department infrastructure needs and to properly care for our veterans. The bill spends a little less than the President asked for and a little more than last year. Projects not justified are removed, others are properly funded. The bill also compels both the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to use a single integrated electronic health record, ensuring a seamless transition of care for our warfighters leaving service. Mr. Speaker, this morning we got to a ``yes'' on that which is essential and right. ____________________”