WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware Senator in more than four decades to serve on the critical Appropriations Committee, today applauded the passage of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress this week, and is now headed to the President’s desk for signature.
“Serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee is an important opportunity to secure much-needed resources for Delaware, and I’m pleased that this appropriations bill provides critical support for Delaware service members and their families,” said Senator Coons. “We owe it to those who serve our country to ensure they have the resources they need and the health care they deserve.”
Senator Coons helped secure $190.122 million for Army National Guard military construction and $129.126 million for Air National Guard military construction nationwide. This funding will support various missions vital to both Delaware and broader U.S. national security. It ensures Guardsmen are able to fulfill their dual missions of supporting civilian authorities at home and U.S. military efforts abroad. The bill also includes $97.1 billion to support veterans’ health care and benefits, medical and prosthetic research, information technology, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General. This funding will help improve the performance of the VA and enable the transition from the Veterans Choice Program, which provides health care outside of the VA system, to a new program that will provide higher quality care for Delaware’s veterans.
###
