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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement today after voting to confirm Marvin Kaplan of Stilwell, Kan. to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB):
“The NLRB is charged with governing and maintaining relationships between labor unions and employers in the private sector – an important role that I’m pleased to see filled by a qualified fellow Kansan, Mr. Kaplan.”
The NLRB is comprised of five members, all of whom are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies – spoke on the Senate floor this week regarding the importance of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Choice program in helping veterans access healthcare in their communities nationwide.
“One of the most important ways we honor our nation’s heroes is by following through on our commitment to providing the benefits they deserve, including access to timely, quality healthcare,” said Sen. Moran following his remarks. “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a situation where a program – the Veterans Choice program – designed to increase veterans’ access to care is in danger of running out of funds far sooner than anticipated. This is a result of the program’s success. Veterans want Choice, they need Choice and the program is working. We must act so that the VA does not let them down by ending the Choice program and shuttering the network of community providers who offer this critical care.
“In 2014, I urged my colleagues to support Choice, and now I again urge my colleagues to support a program veterans like, need and deserve,” Sen. Moran continued. “We owe them better, which is why I am once again partnering with Senator McCain to put funds back into the Choice Program, making certain that our veterans do not experience a lapse in care. The Senate must act.”
In 2014, Congress passed the Choice Act in the wake of the wait time scandals in Phoenix, Ariz. and at VA locations nationwide. The Choice program empowers veterans to access healthcare in their own communities rather than adding hours of driving to VA facilities to their lists of hurdles in receiving the medical attention they need. The program was originally set to expire on August 7th, 2017. Earlier this year, however, the VA indicated to Congress that there would be more than $1 billion remaining to fund this program and estimated these funds would last until January of 2018. Rather than letting these funds expire, Sen. Moran joined U.S. Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), along with Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, respectively, and others in introducing legislation to remove this sunset date and extend the Veterans Choice Program for veterans until the program’s funds were expended. This legislation was signed into law on April 19th.
On June 7th, 2017, the VA indicated that demand for Choice had increased at an unanticipated rate and program funds were rapidly depleting. In an attempt to extend the program, the VA issued guidance to limit the use of Choice by VA medical centers. Sen. Moran called on Secretary Shulkin to withdraw this guidance, urging him to work with Congress to find a solution. On June 21st, Sen. Moran convened a hearing with Sec. Shulkin, who explained the VA’s inaccurate cost projections and budget shortfall in the Veterans Choice Program. The Secretary agreed that the VA requires additional funding to continue the Veterans Choice Program and serve veterans who rely on care in their communities.
Video of Sen. Moran’s questioning of Sec. Shulkin can be found here. His remarks on the Senate floor can be viewed here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies – spoke on the Senate floor this week regarding the importance of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Choice program in helping veterans access healthcare in their communities nationwide.
“One of the most important ways we honor our nation’s heroes is by following through on our commitment to providing the benefits they deserve, including access to timely, quality healthcare,” said Sen. Moran following his remarks. “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a situation where a program – the Veterans Choice program – designed to increase veterans’ access to care is in danger of running out of funds far sooner than anticipated. This is a result of the program’s success. Veterans want Choice, they need Choice and the program is working. We must act so that the VA does not let them down by ending the Choice program and shuttering the network of community providers who offer this critical care.
“In 2014, I urged my colleagues to support Choice, and now I again urge my colleagues to support a program veterans like, need and deserve,” Sen. Moran continued. “We owe them better, which is why I am once again partnering with Senator McCain to put funds back into the Choice Program, making certain that our veterans do not experience a lapse in care. The Senate must act.”
In 2014, Congress passed the Choice Act in the wake of the wait time scandals in Phoenix, Ariz. and at VA locations nationwide. The Choice program empowers veterans to access healthcare in their own communities rather than adding hours of driving to VA facilities to their lists of hurdles in receiving the medical attention they need. The program was originally set to expire on August 7th, 2017. Earlier this year, however, the VA indicated to Congress that there would be more than $1 billion remaining to fund this program and estimated these funds would last until January of 2018. Rather than letting these funds expire, Sen. Moran joined U.S. Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), along with Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, respectively, and others in introducing legislation to remove this sunset date and extend the Veterans Choice Program for veterans until the program’s funds were expended. This legislation was signed into law on April 19th.
On June 7th, 2017, the VA indicated that demand for Choice had increased at an unanticipated rate and program funds were rapidly depleting. In an attempt to extend the program, the VA issued guidance to limit the use of Choice by VA medical centers. Sen. Moran called on Secretary Shulkin to withdraw this guidance, urging him to work with Congress to find a solution. On June 21st, Sen. Moran convened a hearing with Sec. Shulkin, who explained the VA’s inaccurate cost projections and budget shortfall in the Veterans Choice Program. The Secretary agreed that the VA requires additional funding to continue the Veterans Choice Program and serve veterans who rely on care in their communities.
Video of Sen. Moran’s questioning of Sec. Shulkin can be found here. His remarks on the Senate floor can be viewed here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today introduced the bipartisan Viewer and Listener Protection Act of 2017, S. 1632. Sen. Moran was joined by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) to introduce the legislation to establish a new Viewer and Listener Protection Fund within the United States Treasury (Treasury) to make certain broadcasters nationwide can stay on air.
In April as a result of their most recent spectrum incentive auction, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued public notice of proposed channel reassignments, commonly referred to as “repack,” for nearly 1,000 television stations and additional radio stations nationwide. The current Television Broadcaster Relocation Fund has an authorized $1.75 billion to assist stations with their relocation costs and make certain that channels nationwide can continue to broadcast. Earlier this month, the FCC estimated that approximate total cost for station relocation, based on the reports from reimbursement-eligible TV stations and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), would reach $2.1 billion, far exceeding the funds authorized.
"I remain very concerned that rural America will be disproportionately harmed if Congress does not take action to provide adequate resources and an appropriate timeline for the relocation of TV and radio stations,” said Sen. Moran. “The FCC’s broadcaster incentive auction brought in substantial revenue for taxpayers while empowering communications companies to enhance their networks and improve service. Now we must protect and preserve the rural communities served by broadcasters who provide vital services such as news, weather and traffic, as well as entertainment, to millions of Americans nationwide."
“As we move ahead with relocating broadcasters to new channels and expanding our wireless broadband network, we need to make sure TV and radio stations across the country have the resources to repack as easily as possible,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill would provide those resources and allow stations to successfully complete their relocation while providing uninterrupted service to viewers across the country.”
Sen. Moran’s legislation would establish a new Viewer and Listener Protection Fund within the Treasury to distribute additional funds to broadcast television and radio stations for costs incurred during the repack. This allocation will be used only if funds from the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund are exhausted and the FCC appropriately certifies the need for the additional resources. In addition, this bill would direct the FCC to modify the transition period for a specific broadcast television station if necessary to ensure that no broadcast television station is forced to stop broadcasting for a significant period of time.
"The Kansas Association of Broadcasters, which represents television and radio broadcasters all over our state, applauds Senators Moran, Schatz and this bipartisan group of Senators for introducing ‘The Viewer and Listener Protection Act,’” said Kent Cornish, President of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. “Sen. Moran has always recognized and appreciated the valuable and vital services local broadcasters provide to our communities. This legislation would ensure that our stations who are required to move to new channels as part of the recent spectrum incentive auction are fully reimbursed for their costs as agreed to by Congress. In addition, this mandates that stations are held harmless if something outside their control delays their move. Of equal importance, it also addresses the concerns of FM radio stations who are also adversely impacted by these moves. We thank Sen. Moran for his tireless work on this issue and look forward to working with him as this legislation moves forward."
In a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, FCC Chairman Ajit V. Pai stated, “I expect it would be necessary, if broadcasters are going to be harmless in this repack, that Congress would have to provide additional funding."
To view the Viewer and Listener Protection Act of 2017, click here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s action today on healthcare:
“For years, I have been committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare. As I’ve said, I will vote to proceed to and pass a bill that fully repeals Obamacare, puts a two-year expiration date on the damaging law and will allow for the full legislative process I have repeatedly called for – involving all 100 senators – to craft a replacement. I will work with my colleagues to develop healthcare policy that will provide greater personal choice, protections for pre-existing conditions, increased access and lower overall costs for Kansans.
“I will continue, however, to strongly oppose the BCRA. This bill missed the mark for Kansans, failed to adequately repeal Obamacare and did not address the rising costs of healthcare. Healthcare is too important to Kansans, our families and future generations of Americans to get wrong.”
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Kansas Delegation Introduces Bill to Award Senator Bob Dole the Congressional Gold Medal
Jul 24 2017
Sen. Moran said: “I am honored to call Senator Dole a friend and mentor. Americans know of the sacrifices he made on their behalf during WWII, and every Kansan knows that he’s been there for them every day since. Senator Dole has dedicated his entire life to public service and it’s hard to imagine anyone more deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal. Through his dedication to issues from veterans, to child education, to food aid across the world, he reminds us all that one person is capable of making meaningful changes to people’s lives with long-lasting effect.”
Sen. Roberts said: “I can think of few people more deserving for a Congressional Gold Medal than Bob Dole. Bob is not only one of the country’s finest statesmen and Kansas’ favorite son, but he is also a friend, mentor and brother to me. He has served our country in countless ways, spending his whole life serving Kansas and the nation. From his days in Russell, Kansas, his service in World War II, and his dedication to spending his life as a public servant, Bob Dole embodies the American spirit.”
Rep. Jenkins said: “As a World War II veteran, public servant and prolific role model, Senator Dole is certainly deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal. Senator Dole has spent his entire life serving Kansans and this great country. Additionally, after retiring from public office, he continued his important work to help our veterans get the care they deserve, curb child hunger and poverty and several other initiatives. Senator Dole is not only an American hero and true statesman, but he is a dear friend and someone I consider to be the ultimate embodiment of a true Kansan. I look forward to getting this bill through Congress and to the President’s desk.”
Rep. Marshall said: "Senator Bob Dole embodies what it means to be a public servant, a leader and a Kansan. I am proud to call him a friend, and I am humbled to bear the awesome responsibility of serving in the Congressional seat he one held. For as long as I can remember, Bob Dole has been a role model. Today, he is a mentor and continues as a shining example of international leadership. Beyond honoring a deserving patriot, I hope this award reminds my colleagues of leaders like Senator Dole, who never forgets the human impact of each decision, who truly works to serve the greater good, and who always remembers where he calls home - Russell, Kansas."
Rep. Yoder said : “Senator Dole has spent his entire life serving Kansas and our nation. Service, sacrifice, statesmanship – these are the words that come to mind when you think of Senator Dole. He’s a larger than life figure in American politics, but he’s one of the kindest, funniest, and most humble men I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. I can think of no one more deserving of the recognition of Congress and the utmost respect of the American people than Bob Dole.”
Rep. Estes said: “Throughout his life-long service to our nation, Bob Dole has always shown tremendous humility and leadership. Senator Dole embodies what it means to be a Kansan, and his legacy will loom large for generations to come. Senator Bob Dole is truly an American hero."
This legislation, the Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, if passed by the House and Senate, would award Sen. Dole with the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is the most distinguished honor and the highest civilian honor given by the Congress.
A bipartisan group of Senator Dole’s former colleagues who remain in the Senate signed on to the legislation as original cosponsors. They include: Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Dick Shelby (R-Ala.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (Ore.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.).
Agriculture Appropriations Bill Passes Senate Appropriations Committee with Sen. Moran’s Support
Legislation includes provisions to support Kansas farmers and ranchers
Jul 21 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to support farmers and ranchers, encourage rural economic development, and enhance food safety in FY2018. The legislation, which Sen. Moran supported as a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, allocates funding for priorities within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This bill continues our investments in rural America while also reducing our federal spending as compared to currently enacted levels.
“The success of our ag community impacts every sector of our state’s economy,” said Sen. Moran. “Our agriculture appropriations bill makes certain that farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country have the resources they need to succeed, while investing in the future through agriculture research, conservation and animal health initiatives. This legislation also protects crop insurance and strengthens risk management tools critical to our nation’s agriculture producers, especially during times of low commodity prices.”
Sen. Moran continued, “I have long been a supporter of initiatives to help transitioning military veterans explore opportunities in production agriculture, and I’m pleased that this year’s bill builds upon the provisions included in years past to encourage our veterans to pursue farming, ranching and other careers in agriculture.”
The bill prioritizes a number of key issues for Kansans, including:
Agriculture research
Continues support for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), USDA’s premier competitive grant program for basic and applied agriculture research. The bill maintains increased levels of support for wheat and sorghum research, including resources to fight against the sugarcane aphid which is harming sorghum production. It promotes research completed at USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) labs and universities in Kansas to keep producers on the cutting edge of technology and competitive in a global market.
Conservation
Supports USDA conservation efforts, including working lands programs and increased funding for Conservation Technical Assistance. Technical assistance through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) gives farmers and ranchers the knowledge and tools to be better stewards of the land and water and underpins USDA’s voluntary, non-regulatory approach to conservation approach.
Watershed and flood prevention
Strengthens the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program. This program protects our rural communities from flooding by providing needed support for watershed projects. Watersheds also protect our natural resources and provide conservation benefits by reducing erosion and increasing sediment retention. Estimates show that in Kansas alone, watershed projects in place today provide $115 million in economic and flood damage reduction benefits.
Veteran outreach
Includes funding for USDA to support initiatives that engage in outreach and training for veterans transitioning from military service to careers in agriculture. Nearly 40 percent of the nation’s farms are owned and operated by farmers over the age of 65 creating a significant demand new farmers, while at the same time, over 800,000 service members are expected to transition out of the military in the coming years.
Rural water systems
Provides robust support for the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program and Circuit Rider Program, which are designed to provide technical assistance to rural water systems and prevent pollution of surface and ground water used as the primary source of drinking water by rural residents.
Food safety initiatives
Supports implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act and USDA food inspection services, which intends to improve preventive control measures for food production, decrease foodborne illness outbreaks, and better ensure the safety of imported food. Preventing food contamination keeps consumers safe and heathy and helps agriculture stakeholders by instilling confidence in our food systems.
International Food Assistance
Increases support for Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole Food for Education, programs that utilize U.S. grown commodities to feed hungry and malnourished people around the world. Approximately 10 percent of hard red winter wheat exports in 2016 were through food aid programs, directly benefitting Kansas agriculture produces. These programs also serve our national interests by promoting political, economic and social stability in regions of the world important to America's strategic interests, in addition to elevating our country's moral standing and leadership.
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Sen. Moran Introduces G.I. Bill Reforms to Provide Educational Opportunities for Veterans
Legislation named after Harry W. Colmery, Kansan who authored original G.I. Bill
Jul 20 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs, and Related Agencies – today joined U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, in introducing broad, bipartisan legislation that seeks to improve veterans’ education benefits and enhances the post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
“The G.I. Bill, which was drafted by Kansan Harry W. Colmery in 1944, has made a significant difference in the lives of millions of American veterans who have earned this benefit through their service and sacrifice,” said Sen. Moran. “This bipartisan legislation will build upon the post-9/11 G.I. Bill, making certain that our nation’s heroes are able to utilize this benefit for years to come. As they transition from service, our veterans deserve to have the support and opportunities offered by the G.I. Bill so that they can continue their contributions to our country long after completing their service.”
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 will further invest in the proven educational success of our veterans and help propel them toward becoming our nation’s civic, business and public leaders.
“We have worked closely with our partners in the veterans community and with our colleagues in the U.S. House to ensure this legislation makes the necessary changes to improve the G.I. Bill and helps veterans succeed in their desired career field,” said Sen. Isakson. “I am proud to introduce this important legislation with Senator Tester after the House introduced its companion legislation last week. We urge our Senate colleagues to join us in supporting these improvements to the G.I. Bill to help further our investment in the futures of our veterans.”
“The G.I. Bill has provided generations of veterans with access to higher education after they have bravely served our country,” said Sen. Tester. “It’s been a pleasure working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well as veterans and advocates, to craft bipartisan legislation that will break down barriers to and strengthen education benefits for servicemembers, Guardsmen and Reservists. I look forward to working with Senator Isakson and our colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to ensure veterans have every shot at success.”
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 makes much-needed updates for reservists, Purple Heart recipients, veterans who face school closures while enrolled and surviving family members. The legislation also provides increased resources and authority for educational assistance to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, computer programming and career technical training.
Most significantly, this bill recognizes our country’s need for an agile and adaptable workforce and that American workers need to be lifelong learners. For that purpose, this bill eliminates the arbitrary 15-year period within which a veteran is required to use their G.I. Bill so they can use their benefits at any time in their professional career.
Additionally, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017:
- Provides G.I. Bill eligibility for reservists mobilized under selected reserve orders for preplanned missions in support of the combatant commands or in response to a major disaster or emergency;
- Provides G.I. Bill eligibility for reservists undergoing medical care;
- Provides full G.I. Bill benefits for Purple Heart recipients regardless of length of service;
- Extends Yellow Ribbon Program benefits to Fry scholarship recipients; and
- Increases G.I. Bill payments by $2,300 per year for veterans with less than 12 months of active service.
The legislation is named in honor of Harry Walter Colmery, a Kansan Army Air Service veteran and former national commander of the American Legion who drafted the original G.I. Bill in 1944 to improve the transition for World War II veterans back to civilian life.
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 is also co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Susan Collins, R-Maine, John Cornyn, R-Texas, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Steve Daines, R-Mont., Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., Al Franken, D-Minn., Dean Heller, R-Nev., Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., and Tim Walz, D-Minn., chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, on July 13.
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Sen. Moran Statement on BCRA Healthcare Bill
Jul 17 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement regarding the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA):
“There are serious problems with Obamacare, and my goal remains what it has been for a long time: to repeal and replace it. This closed-door process has yielded the BCRA, which fails to repeal the Affordable Care Act or address healthcare’s rising costs. For the same reasons I could not support the previous version of this bill, I cannot support this one.
“We should not put our stamp of approval on bad policy. Furthermore, if we leave the federal government in control of everyday healthcare decisions, it is more likely that our healthcare system will devolve into a single-payer system, which would require a massive federal spending increase. We must now start fresh with an open legislative process to develop innovative solutions that provide greater personal choice, protections for pre-existing conditions, increased access and lower overall costs for Kansans.”
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Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Chairman Moran’s FY2018 Appropriations Bill to Prioritize Funding for Military and Veterans
Bill includes $17.5 million for Combat Arms Facility at McConnell AFB
Jul 13 2017
WASHINGTON – The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved the FY2018 appropriations bill authored by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. The bill supports critical housing, infrastructure and facilities for U.S. military forces and their families and provides increased funding for veterans’ health care and benefits. It also includes $17.5 million for a Combat Arms Facility at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan.
“This bill reflects our commitment to our servicemembers, both past and present, with investments in infrastructure at home and overseas along with funding to honor the lives of those who have defended our nation,” said Chairman Moran. “This bill provides funds to prevent veteran suicide, address opioid addiction nationwide, increase rural access to healthcare, eliminate the claims backlog and support innovative medical research. We propose increased oversight of the Veterans Health Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers to prevent cost overruns for facility construction and improve accountability. Our bill also keeps Americans safe from terrorists by continuing the prohibition of the modification or construction of any facilities on U.S. soil to house detainees currently held at Guantanamo Bay and supports our NATO allies against Russian aggression.”
“Construction of a new combat arms facility at McConnell Air Force Base will enable the airmen to train and increase readiness to make certain they are fully equipped to continue carrying out critical missions around the world in defense of our nation,” continued Chairman Moran.
The approved measure includes $88.9 billion in FY2018 discretionary funding, $6.1 billion above the FY2017 level. The bill provides critical funding for veterans health care, veterans benefits, medical and prosthetic research, the National Cemetery Administration, information technology and the VA Inspector General.
Military construction funding is increased by $1.8 billion over the FY2017 enacted level, which would allow for enhanced funding of family housing, construction of important national defense facilities, military hospitals, and support for critical overseas facility investments.
Bill Highlights
Military Construction – $9.5 billion to fund 214 military construction projects, which is $1.8 billion above the FY2017 level and $246 million below the budget request. This includes funds for large and small construction and renovation projects on military bases within the United States and around the globe.
- European Reassurance Initiative – $307 million to fund construction projects in support of U.S. allies through the European Reassurance Initiative.
- Overseas Contingency Operations – $331 million for construction projects in direct support of military operations in the Middle East.
- Military Family Housing – $1.4 billion for construction, operation and maintenance of military family housing, which is $133 million above the FY2017 level. The bill includes construction funding for eight (8) family housing projects.
- Military Medical Facilities – $556 million for construction or alteration of military medical facilities. This funding will allow for continued support and care for 9.8 million eligible beneficiaries, including wounded U.S. troops abroad.
- DoD Education Facilities – $249 million for essential safety improvements and infrastructure work at four overseas military schools.
- Guard and Reserve – $575 million to support the construction needs of National Guard and Reserve forces.
- NATO Security Investment Program – $154 million to provide infrastructure for training, deterrence, and the NATO Alliance’s response to challenges posed by Russia and treats from the Middle East and North Africa.
Veterans Affairs (VA) – The legislation includes a record level of $78.4 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, an increase of $4.0 billion above the FY2017 level. These resources will provide the healthcare, benefits and memorial services earned by U.S. servicemembers and veterans.
As requested by the administration, the measure makes an additional $2.9 billion in medical care funding available in FY2018 to improve access to care, and to support additional health care services including hepatitis C treatments, opioid addiction treatments, veterans’ caregiver services, and homeless veterans’ assistance. This amount is in addition to FY2018 medical care advance funding provided last year.
- VA Medical Care – $70.1 billion to support medical treatment and healthcare for approximately 9.2 million enrolled patients in FY2018. The bill includes: $5.5 billion to care for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans; $840 million for the essential Caregivers Program; $705 million for important medical and prosthetic research; $525 million for health care specifically for women veterans; $316 million for traumatic brain injury treatment; and $270 million for rural health initiatives.
- Disability Claims Processing – $38 million for the paperless claims processing system, $115 million for digital scanning of health records, and $27 million for centralized mail. To prompt greater national and regional progress in reducing VA claims backlogs, the bill maintains strict reporting requirements.
- VA Mandatory Funding – The bill fulfills mandatory funding requirements such as: veteran disability compensation programs for 4.6 million veterans and 420,000 survivors; education benefits for nearly one million veterans; guaranteed home loans for 519,000 veterans; and vocational rehabilitation and employment training for more than 145,000 veterans.
- Construction – $855 million for major and minor construction associated with VA hospital replacement, correction of seismic deficiencies, scores of projects to improve access to VA health care, and the VA’s National Cemeteries. The bill also includes an additional $20 million in construction grants for State Extended Care Facilities.
- Advance Appropriations – $70.7 billion in FY2019 advance discretionary funding for veteran health care, and $107.7 billion in FY2019 advance mandatory funding for veterans benefits.
Related Agencies – The legislation also includes $258 million in funding for:
- American Battle Monuments Commission – $79.0 million
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims – $33.6 million
- Arlington National Cemetery – $81.0 million
- Armed Forces Retirement Home – $64.3 million
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