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U.S. Rep. Loebsack: Secures $1.9 million for Iowa National Guard readiness center in military construction and veterans affairs bill
7/29/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, July 28, 2010

CONTACT: Sabrina Siddiqui Sabrina.Siddiqui@mail.house.gov 202.226.6476, office 202.870.1138, cell

WASHINGTON – Congressman Dave Loebsack voted to pass critical funding for veterans and the Iowa National Guard in the fiscal year 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The bill builds on the historic funding increases for veterans that Congressman Loebsack has helped enact while serving in the House of Representatives.

“The Iowa National Guard is preparing to undertake its largest deployment since World War II and I am pleased that this bill includes the funding and resources that our troops deserve,” said Loebsack. “Since I have been a Member of Congress, I have visited with veterans from across my District and I have fought to make sure that our servicemen and women, their families, and our veterans have the support, care and benefits they deserve. Day in and day out I work to increase support and resources for our veterans, and over the course of my time in Congress, we have provided a 70 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits.”

The bill includes the $1.9 million requested by Congressman Loebsack for the IowaNationalGuardIowa CityReadinessCenter . The funding will be used to construct a stand-alone simulation center which will be used as a regional site for simulation training. It will also support construction of a Motor Vehicle Storage Bay and a helipad. Additionally, the funding will complete all site-work, parking, and driveways necessary for these three projects and will complete the Iowa CityReadinessCenter compound.

Additionally, this bill provides the following:

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As a result of a strong push by Veterans Service Organizations, Loebsack, and others, beginning last year, Congress appropriates VA medical funding two years at a time. This ensures that health care for our veterans can continue smoothly and give health care providers the ability to plan ahead. This year’s bill continues that new policy, providing funds for fiscal year 2012’s medical accounts. ·

Additional funds for National Guard and Reserve facility construction to address the backlog in upgrades to Guard and Reserve facilities . Loebsack has pushed for this increased funding as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. ·

Funding for veterans’ mental health services, funding to assist homeless veterans and help prevent homelessness and funding to improve veterans’ access to care in rural areas. ·

Funding to process claims from veterans who will newly qualify for care from the effects of Agent Orange due to the VA’s expansion of presumptive diseases. ·

Funding to hire 4,000 additional permanent claims processors to help reduce the current backlog in disability claims.

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