Hoyer Applauds Investments In FY 2015 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today applauding passage of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2015:
“I’m pleased the House passed this legislation today, which makes important investments at military installations in and around the Fifth District and provides additional resources to the men and women who bravely served our nation in uniform. Today’s bill included funding for a number of military construction projects at Maryland military installations, including funding for the Advanced Energetics Research Lab Complex Phase 2 at Indian Head, the Atlantic Test Range at Pax River, and a hydrant fuel system at Joint Base Andrews. These investments strengthen national security, support the missions of these installations, and ensure they remain world-class facilities.
“The bill also takes important steps to address the unacceptable claims backlog by holding the Veterans Benefits Administration accountable with regular reporting on claims processing performance and steps being taken to improve the worst performing regional offices. It also provides additional funding for digitizing records and implementing a paperless claims processing system. I’m hopeful that these steps will ensure veterans in the Fifth District and throughout the country will receive their benefits in a more timely manner and with fewer errors. After serving our country so dutifully, we must do all that we can to ensure they receive the benefits and recognition they deserve.”