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Senate Adds Earmarks To MilCon/VA Bill

The Senate recently released the Military Construction Appropriations Bill for fiscal year (FY) 2012. The bill was not passed in the same form it was proposed, however. The Senate placed their own earmarks on the bill and passed their own version of what they believe the bill should look like next year.

The finalized legislation makes very specific distributions and allotments. The Senate set aside $142 billion explicitly for military construction as well as such agencies as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). That allocation is $1.25 billion below what was requested. Further, it is $618 million below what was provided for FY 2011.

Since all that money is taxpayer money, taxpayers should be aware the Senate passed two additional earmarked provisions. The President never requested either one of the provisions, but they did not "greatly exceed the budget request" either.

The provisions will cost $16.4 million combined and break down as follows:

 

·      $10 million toward the Energy Conservation Investment Program; and

·      $6.365 million toward the Fort Gordon Whitelaw Wedge Building Addition.

 

Contrasted with some of the earmarks the House added to some of their bills, the Senate apparently showed "significant restraint." Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) is the MilCon/VA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman and believes the bill the Senate passed is "disciplined and fiscally responsible" and successfully meets everyone's needs in a time of shrinking budgets.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.