Congressman Chuck Fleischmann issued the following statement upon the passage of H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act:
“As a member of the House Appropriations committee, I am proud to see the House take swift action and pass three appropriations bills,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “This package directly takes into account the current national and nuclear security needs of our nation, and provides the members of our military, past and present, with the tools and resources they deserve.
"First, this legislation includes a $1.5 billion increase in funding to address and support our nation’s nuclear security priorities. This bill allows the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration to maintain the safety and readiness of our nuclear weapons stockpile, address aging infrastructure in our weapons complex facilities, and support the nuclear cleanup mission.
"In addition, this bill gives peace of mind to our veterans and provides for our current men and women in uniform. Included in this legislation is a 4.8 percent funding increase for our veterans, while also reinvesting in those who are currently serving, equipping our men and women overseas with means to be successful.
"I urge my colleagues in the Senate to follow suit and act quickly to pass this legislation in the best interests of our nation.”