U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, this week addressed the full Senate Appropriations Committee before it passed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act by a vote of 30-0.
The legislation Johnson wrote now moves to the full Senate for approval.
"This bill sends a strong message of support to our nation's veterans and to our military troops and their families," Johnson said in prepared remarks. "We all know the sacrifices they have made, and are continuing to make, in defense of our nation. The bill before us recognizes and honors that commitment by funding a wide array of programs essential to the health and well-being of both veterans and military families."
Including previously appropriated advances for veterans medical care, the fiscal 2013 bill provides a total of $146.6 billion for military construction and family housing, the VA, and four related agencies, including Arlington National Cemetery.
Of the total, $74.6 billion is mandatory funding for veterans benefits, and $71.9 billion is discretionary. The bill also includes $54.5 billion in fiscal 14 advances for veterans medical care.
