Today, the House passed Congressman John Carter’s (TX-31) FY19 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill as part of a minibus appropriations package. The legislation passed 377-20.

“As the Chairman of Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, I’m pleased to see this bill pass the House and head to the President’s desk, because it includes much needed funding for our American military bases and veterans nationwide,” Congressman Carter said. “Under this bipartisan bill, the Department of Veterans Affairs is set to receive the largest dollar amount in the history of the agency, which will go great lengths in implementing the VA Mission Act, so our veterans can seek outside health care when necessary and caretakers can have access to additional resources. This bill also focuses funding toward mental health services, including suicide prevention programs for veterans, and modernizing veterans’ electronic health care records. This legislation also allocates additional resources to oversight programs to ensure our veterans are receiving the health care they deserve from the VA.

“In addition, this legislation includes $9.6 million for Ft. Hood’s Supply Support Activity Warehouse, which will improve Soldier readiness, and ensure they have the resources they need to be successful. As the money included in this bill is allocated, I will continue to advocate for TX-31 priorities to receive the funding they need.”

Highlights of the legislation:

• Totals $86.5B in discretionary funding- the largest dollar amount in history for the VA
• Strengthens oversight and accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used to best benefit our veterans
• Includes $8.6B for mental health care services
• $206M for suicide prevention outreach
• Includes $1.75B to supplement ongoing care, including existing programs and MISSION Act programs like community care, caregivers, and other medical services such as  Rep. Carter’s Veterans Transplant Coverage Act

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations.

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