Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) applauded the House passage of appropriations legislation that provides critical funding of veteran programs and includes $10.2 million for projects at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL).

“I am proud to support this timely and critical funding of projects at JB-MDL,” Smith said. “In addition to the over-$146 million for projects related to the arrival of the KC-46As, in FY2018 legislation, this bill only improves the standing of JB-MDL as Air Mobility Command’s premier East Coast refueling hub for humanitarian and military operations around the globe.”

On Thursday, the House passed, with Smith’s support, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (HR 5895).

The legislation included $10.2 million in appropriations for the Hot Cargo Hydrant System replacement at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which is used for aircraft with hazardous cargo. This system will be integral in the preparation for the arrival of the KC-46A refueling tankers in FY 2021.

“This replacement is critical, a much-needed improvent to the safety and efficiency of the tanker refueling at the base,” Smith said. “Furthermore, this funding brings more construction jobs to the area.”

The appropriations legislation includes $86.5 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest dollar amount for the agency in history, as well as provisions which help expedite the compensation claims process for veterans. The legislation also includes $8 billion in military construction projects specifically in the U.S.