By US Rep. Leonard Boswell

The way we treat our troops and veterans, who give of themselves so selflessly for our freedom, speaks volumes about our character as a nation. This week, I’d like to tell you about a number of targeted investments included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will aid our nation’s heroes.

The passage of the recovery package is only the first step in a long and difficult economic recuperation. While we will all face many challenges in the coming months, it is important to remember that the investments we make now, at this critical moment, will have long-term consequences as well as short-term simulative effects. As all Iowans know, times like these require a strong spirit of community; a refusal to leave anyone behind. We cannot forget to show our gratitude to those who serve. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have had a profound effect on Iowans. As of March 5, 2009, 65 Iowans and people with ties to Iowa have been killed in combat nine in Afghanistan, the remainder in Iraq. Hundreds more have suffered wounds both physical and psychological. The heroism of these Iowans and the sacrifices their families have made cannot be overstated or fully repaid.

The government has a responsibility toward these heroes. The 111th Congress and the Obama Administration are committed to reaffirming that obligation.

Several infrastructure projects included in the recovery package will create thousands of jobs while providing for our nation’s troops and veterans. The package slates $1.3 billion for the repair and modernization of our aging military hospitals and ambulatory care centers, many of which are at least 40 years old. In addition, $335 million will be used to build new barracks and dormitories for servicemen and women, as well as quality family housing for military families. Another $4.2 billion will be used to improve various Department of Defense facilities. The legislation also provides $1 billion for much-needed repairs to the nation’s 153 VA hospitals. New child care facilities on military bases, as well as transition complexes for wounded warriors returning from combat will create even more new jobs.

The recovery package contains additional measures to protect America’s troops and veterans during these unstable economic times. It includes $555 million to help wounded veterans and surviving spouses who have been hurt by the housing crisis. A payment of $250 to all disabled veterans offers further protection, and the package also contains incentives encouraging businesses to hire unemployed veterans. Another $150 million will be used to increase the number of VA claims processing staff, which will help remedy the claims backlog. Finally, $50 million will be used to improve the automation of VA benefit processing, so that we can distribute benefits more quickly and accurately.

These programs will provide essential aid to our nation’s heroes while helping to reinvigorate the ailing economy. As the economic recovery progresses, the citizens of Iowa’s Third District can be sure that I will continue to advocate for our troops and veterans. As always, please feel free to contact me in Washington, D.C. or in Des Moines at 515-282-1909.