Military Construction, VA

Mr. Chairman. As you all know, this bill has a strong reputation for finding bipartisan common ground as members work together to fund the construction of military facilities and strive to improve the quality of life and care afforded to our veterans and military families. Once again, Chairman Culberson has continued this tradition. The bill before us provides funding levels that I think most members on both sides of the aisle agree are appropriate, while avoiding contentious legislative riders that complicate passage.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would like to also thank the subcommittee chairman and ranking member for their work on this bill.

This is the first of the twelve spending bills that the House will consider for FY 2015. I am pleased that we are beginning the process with a bill, as reported out of committee, that includes reasonable spending levels and is devoid of controversial riders. I hope this is a sign of what is to follow.

Despite fiscal constraints, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill would meet the needs of service men and women and continue to support our veterans.

I am particularly pleased with the emphasis on the increased need for prosthetics for our female servicemembers.