This week, the House Appropriations Committee provided a $10 million increase in the VA Medical and Prosthetics Research Program, approving a total $732.26 million as part of the fiscal year 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The bill also included language directing the VA to expand lung cancer screening options for high-risks veterans, address respiratory conditions in veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and increase efforts to reduce tobacco use among veterans.
The bill passed the committee with unanimous support. The bill will move to the House floor at some point in the near future. The Senate has yet to begin consideration of its version of the bill.
While pleased that the Appropriations Committee provided an increase, the ATS will continue to advocate for more research funding as commensurate with the health and research needs within the VA.
