Since 2008, McConnell has advocated for this state-of-the-art veterans medical facility; securing more than $1 billion in federal funding for the project’s construction.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today celebrated a construction milestone at the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Louisville, Kentucky. Senator McConnell, who has been a long-time advocate of the project and worked to secure the funding for construction of the facility, released the following statement which was shared during the Louisville VAMC’s “Topping Off Ceremony”:
“The debt we owe our servicemembers extends far beyond any program the government can provide. Today, however, we move one important step toward honoring this sacred obligation to our nation’s heroes.
“As the son of a World War II veteran, I always appreciate any chance I get to meet with our nation’s servicemembers and, as Senate Republican Leader, to repay these brave men and women who, like my dad, answered the call to serve their country.
“For nearly two decades, I’ve been proud to secure over $1 billion in federal funding to construct this new medical center that will soon serve Kentucky and the greater region’s many veterans.
“To all the VA employees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contract partners, local leaders, and veterans involved in this effort, thank you for your countless hours of hard work that made today possible, and for your noble commitment to our Commonwealth’s veterans.
“This unique facility represents a rare opportunity for Louisville – and one we proudly welcome. I look forward to seeing the new Robley Rex VA Medical Center come to life and soon provide vital care to our Nation’s servicemembers who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe at home.
“Thank you, and God Bless.”
NOTE: Senator McConnell has proudly stood alongside this project’s supporters and our veterans since day one. As Senate Republican Leader and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, he has worked with four different administrations to ensure this new hospital remained a priority at the highest levels of government, steadily providing funding to make this facility a reality.
In 2008, Senator McConnell secured the project’s first appropriation of $75 million in the Fiscal Year 2009 government-funding bill, which was used for the development of the new Louisville VAMC. Since then, he has brought home more than $1 billion for construction of the health-care facility. On Veterans Day 2021, Senator McConnell proudly joined Kentucky veterans at the groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital that will provide revolutionary, 21st century care to our nation’s heroes.
In 2009, legislation introduced by Senator McConnell naming the current and future VAMC after Kentucky hero Robley Rex was enacted into law. Robley was one of the last surviving veterans from the World War I era. Over a century ago, he bravely put on his country’s uniform and left his home in Christian County, Kentucky, to patrol the hills of France in the aftermath of the First World War. After leaving the Army in 1922, he returned home and began volunteering at the Louisville VAMC. He would go on to dedicate over 14,000 hours to care for his fellow veterans. He volunteered right up until he passed away in 2009, just shy of his 108th birthday.
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