Hoyer: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill Does Not Fund the Needs of Our Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5)released the following statement today after voting against House Republicans' Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill:

"I joined with many other Members to oppose this year's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill out of a deep concern that it does not adequately fund the needs of our veterans. I'm proud to represent so many veterans in the Fifth District and I believe we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our country. Congress has a responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need but this bill doesn't meet that responsibility.It also uses a budget gimmick to get around the sequester cuts imposed by the Republican budget strategy rather than replacing it responsibly.

"Maryland's veterans and military personnel deserve better than this bill and I will continue to stand with them and their families. I hope that Republicans will work with House Democrats to fully fund resources for our nation's veterans and replace sequestration with an alternative that enables Congress to invest for the long-term in our domestic priorities."