WASHINGTON D.C., May 15, 2008- The House has approved a supplemental appropriations bill that includes $404 million for new medical facilities at Fort Riley.

Funding still must be approved by the Senate and signed by President Bush. The measure also includes expansion of the GI Bill and unemployment benefits.

A new hospital has been in the planning and discussion stages at Fort Riley in recent years to replace the current Irwin Army Community Hospital on post, which is more than 50 years old.

The bill provides $350 million for the new hospital and $50 million for a complex to treat soldiers recovering from war injuries.

Fort Riley leaders and Army health care officials have put an emphasis on expanding health care services as the base makes room for additional soldiers and families.