Omaha City Wire

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced the inclusion of several priorities in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for 2025. The bill, which underscores a commitment to veterans and national security, passed the House on Wednesday with a vote of 209 to 197.

Rep. Bacon’s priorities included in the bill are:

- $52 million and report language on Long-Term Traumatic Brain Injuries.

- $306.68 million for the Veterans Crisis Line.

- $923.51 million for Medical and Prosthetic Research, $55.51 million above the requested level.

- $10 million for planning and design funding for future basing of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base.

“We have an obligation to those who served our country by making sure the VA has the funding needed to treat our veterans for long-term traumatic brain injuries, provide 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans via the Veterans Crisis Line, provide the right care for physical medicine, occupational therapy, amputee care, and prosthetic services,” said Rep. Bacon. “We also secured funding for Offutt’s basing of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center aircraft that is a critical national command and control mission.”

Additionally, this appropriations bill includes $1.1 billion for 11 barracks to address quality of life issues for service members.