Military

Appropriations Subcommittee Approves Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Spending Bill


WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–June 30, 2011.  United States Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Ranking Member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, yesterdat voted to approve a Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (Milcon/VA) Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2012. Kirk agreed to the bipartisan allocation of $142 billion in funding for 2012, which is $1.25 billion below the Administration’s 2012 request and $2.6 million below the House Milcon/VA bill.

“This bill tightens funding priorities below 2011 levels without jeopardizing critical operations or reducing benefits to those men and women who have honorably served our country,” said Senator Kirk. “The Illinois construction projects and Gitmo language are key for our state.”

Military Construction/Veterans Affairs Appropriations Projects in Illinois:

Normal – Army National Guard Readiness Center – $10 million

Homewood – Army Reserve Center – $16 million

Rockford – Army Reserve Center/Land – $12.8 million

Great Lakes – Navy Decentralized Steam System – $91.042 million

Great Lakes – Health Care Clinic Demolition – $16.9 million

Total funding for Illinois Military Construction projects: $146.742 million

Key Additions:

*Cost saving measures regarding housing allowances for Army’s General/Flag Officer Quarters in response to learning that the Army maintains 71 separate quarters that exceed the $35,000 statutory Operation and Management limit.

* Prohibits funding to construct, renovate, or expand any facility in the United States to house any individual detained at Guantanamo Bay.

Source: kirk.senate.gov


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