WASHINGTON, DC —U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies joined Iraq War veteran Peter Granato, Vice Chairman of Vote Vets, today to discuss the importance of providing funding for our veterans.

The Senate is currently debating legislation that would provide $109.2 billion in funding for military construction and the Veterans Administration, which is approximately $4 billion more than the President requested. The bill sets total veterans spending at more than $87 billion - representing nearly the entire independent budget, an annual request proposed by the major Veterans Service Organizations - and is an increase of nearly $10 billion over the VA spending bill approved last year by the Republican-led Senate.

"This bill demonstrates the Senate's commitment to meeting the needs of our veterans. It goes beyond the President's proposals for the VA, and instead provides the funds recommended by our nation's veteran organizations. This increase in funding is a major victory for our veterans, soldiers, and their families," said Reed, a former Army Ranger. "The money in this bill will help address the health needs of our service members and allow the VA to accelerate its efforts to clear the current backlog in the processing of benefits claims."

Reed announced in June that the fiscal year 2008 VA - Military Construction Appropriations bill includes $57.66 million for key Rhode Island projects. This funding will be used for upgrades for the National Guard facilities at Quonset and Naval Station Newport and to bolster work at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich.

"Rhode Island plays a critical role in defending our nation. This funding will significantly improve Rhode Island's military facilities and help keep them modern and up-to-date," stated Reed. "This federal investment is vitally important to the continued presence and growth of Rhode Island's military installations."

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