A bill that has emerged from a House committee would halt the construction of replacement hospitals for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Language inserted in the 2009 defense authorization bill would prevent construction from going beyond the foundation stage until lawmakers are satisfied with the design of a new hospital at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County and expansion of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda.

Congressman John Murtha says the provision is meant to ensure proper medical care. The bill is expected to reach the House floor next week.

Walter Reed was scheduled to close under base-realignment legislation approved in 2005. The urgency intensified following reports of substandard care.