Washington, D.C. -  Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that as part of the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill approved by the US House of Representatives for Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08), the committee appropriated $275,000 for the creation of a Women’s Comprehensive Health Center within St. Anthony Memorial Health Center.

“Regular screenings, education and early diagnosis can help many women avoid preventable health problems,” Donnelly said. “This center will make preventive medicine available to more women and provide comprehensive treatment tailored to women’s needs.”  

Donnelly also announced that the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill approved by the House for FY08 included a funding level of $440,000 for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s department to purchase and install in department squad cars a Motorola Mobile Video Enforcer in-car video recording system.  

“In this digital age, we should utilize all available technology if doing so will make easier the jobs of our law enforcement officers,” Donnelly said. “By providing in-car video recording systems for the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, we not only make the officers’ jobs easier, but we also make our communities safer.”

The House of Representatives has finished its initial consideration of each of the 12 appropriations bills that would fund the agencies and operations of the federal government for Fiscal Year 2008.  The spending bills are now pending before the Senate.  In order for them to become law, the Senate and House must pass identical bills, and if that does not happen, a compromise negotiated between the House and Senate called a “conference report” must be voted on by both bodies.  Each appropriations bill must then be signed into law by the president.