Press release: Cannon funding makes progress in Congress
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 411 to 6. The legislation provides a 7.4 percent funding increase for veterans’ health care and benefits, including funding for more than 4,000 additional permanent claims processors. The legislation strengthens the VA workforce in place to process health services claims and educational benefits provided through the new GI Bill. The legislation also includes funding for housing and operations facilities at Cannon Air Force Base and a Readiness Center for the National Guard in Farmington. Rep. Luján supported the legislation. The legislation is being considered by the Senate.
“Our troops have served our country with honor, and it is important that we honor their sacrifices by providing them with the services they need when they return home,” said Rep. Luján. “In addition, this legislation helps our soldiers currently in harm’s way.”
New Mexico Projects
The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act included funding for several projects in New Mexico that will improve our national security and benefit the surrounding communities.
New Mexico National Guard Farmington Readiness Center Add/Alt - $8,500,000
Construction of a new readiness facility will replace the current structure which is too small and inadequate to support the 243 soldiers stationed in Farmington. A new center will provide space for the training of unit personnel and to maintain the unit’s equipment.
• Cannon AFB Dormitory (96 Room) - $14,000,000
Construction of a new dormitory facility for Cannon Air Force Base will help provide suitable housing needed for the base’s new mission.
• Cannon AFB SOF Add/Alt Simulator Facility for MC-130 - $13,287,000
• Cannon AFB SOF C-130 Parking Apron Ph I - $26,006,000
• Cannon AFB UAS Squadron Operations Facility - $20,000,000
• Cannon AFB SOF Aircraft Parking Apron (MC-130J) - $12,636,000
• Cannon AFB SOF Hangar/AMU (MC-130J) - $24,622,000
• Cannon AFB SOF Operations and Training Complex - $39,674,000
