Bill would help improve barracks, hospitals

Bill would help improve barracks, hospitals

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jun 22, 2008 9:29:57 EDT

A $72.8 billion bill that would provide better barracks for some Marine and soldier trainees, fix antiquated military medical facilities, hire more veterans claims processors and increase access to care for veterans has cleared its first hurdle in the House of Representatives.

“There are not many lobbyists running around Capitol Hill fighting for better housing for 18- and 19-year-old young men and women who made the decision to serve and sacrifice for our country,” noted Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas.

Lawmakers have added $200 million for extra troop housing for soldier and Marine trainees to the Pentagon’s fiscal 2009 military construction request.

“We want to send the message to soldiers and Marines that we value and respect their decision to serve by improving the barracks they live in when they train,” said Edwards, chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on military construction and veterans affairs.

The subcommittee passed the bill unanimously by voice vote.
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