SENATOR COLLINS SUPPORTS FUNDING FOR VETERANS IN INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins was a lead supporter in including $1.5 billion to take care of veterans in the Interior Appropriations bill that passed the Senate today to alleviate the shortfall in veterans health care funding. The funding is being directed to the Veterans Health Administration's Medical Services account. The account directly provides funds for the treatment of veterans and the training of medical and professional personnel who support the VA's medical programs.

"Many veterans depend on health care benefits in order to recover from injuries they suffered as a result of serving our country; and it is our duty to see that they receive the health care resources and support that they deserve. This funding, which will go directly to the treatment of VA patients, is necessary to improving the medical care that our veterans receive," Senator Collins said. "Providing these necessary resources is the least Congress can provide to those who have placed themselves in harm''s way and selflessly served our nation."

The funding for the Medical Services account was increased to $1.5 billion through an amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill that Senator Collins cosponsored. The complete Interior Appropriations bill will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.

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