Jay Rockefeller: “I am pleased to note that this emergency supplemental appropriations measure includes $45.6 million for cleanup at the…”

“I am pleased to note that this emergency supplemental appropriations measure includes $45.6 million for cleanup at the Sepulveda, VA, Medical Center, as well as $21 million in new budget authority for medical care and other expenses related to the earthquake in southern California. Madam President, the earthquake led to the closing of the Sepulveda, VA, Medical Center. Over 300 patients were moved from the Sepulveda facility to other VA facilities in southern California, all without incident. VA can and should be enormously proud of the way in which its employees have responded to the earthquake. The appropriation of $21 million for medical care would allow VA to cover the cost of treating veterans who were affected by the earthquake and who are now at other VA hospitals, as well as those who will be seen at other facilities until the Sepulveda facility is restored to operation or other accommodations are made to replace the lost bed and clinic capacity.”