Washington, DC (December 17, 2007) – Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) today applauded the passage of a historic budget bill that makes an unprecedented investment in South Texas veterans. The 2008 omnibus appropriations package, which was approved by the House last night, includes $12 million to enable the expansion of services at the new veterans’ clinic in Harlingen.
“I want to thank Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Rep. Solomon Ortiz, and Rep. Henry Cuellar for all their hard work on this issue,” Hinojosa said. “I am proud to support a bill that finally recognizes the sacrifice of our South Texas veterans. We still have much work to do to ensure that they receive the care they need but this is an important step in the right direction.”
“I want to commend Rep. Rubén Hinojosa for his tireless efforts on behalf of veterans of the Rio Grande Valley,” said Rep. Chet Edwards, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. “This clinic will provide new services to thousands of veterans. I know that Congressman Hinojosa will not rest until there is a hospital in South Texas.”
The bill also contains a provision that will raise the mileage reimbursements for veterans who must travel for services from 11 cents to 28.5 cents per mile. This represents the first increase in 28 years.
In addition, the legislation requires that the Veterans Administration add 1,800 new claims officers to reduce the backlog of veterans waiting for disability and other benefits. The measures are all part of an overall $516 billion spending package that rejects the President’s deep cuts and adds $11.8 billion to the VA budget in less than 12 months.
“Strengthening our military and honoring our veterans are two of my top priorities in Congress and this legislation makes certain that our nation’s heroes are not forgotten,” Hinojosa said. “But while we have made progress, $12 million for the expansion of the outpatient clinic in Harlingen is not enough. I will continue to fight to ensure that our South Texas veterans get the hospital they deserve.”
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