Carter, Cole at FY26 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Markup
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The measure was approved by the Subcommittee.
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter delivered the following remarks, "I am pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill today. I know the process to this point has been a little non-traditional, but it is important that we do our jobs as appropriators and get moving on this critical legislation. I recognize as this process unfolds and we receive further budget documentation, we will take it under consideration including those proposals aimed at improving efficiencies.
"The bill before us provides the Department of Veterans Affairs and related agencies just over $134 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, as well as $300 billion in mandatory funding, to fulfill our obligations to our veterans. As I have stated many times over, we have an obligation to ensure our veterans get the benefits and care that they have earned, this bill does that while also addressing other critical issues affecting veterans including homelessness, mental health services, and takes care of our women veterans.
"The bill also makes critical investments totaling nearly $18 billion in the infrastructure our servicemembers need to work and live. The Committee will continue to prioritize INDOPACOM and quality of life investments in Fiscal Year 2026. As always, we have kept our promise to those who put our nation first."
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.
Chairman Tom Cole delivered the following remarks, "This morning’s first measure is the first appropriations bill we will consider for Fiscal Year 2026. I echo my good friend Judge Carter’s comments about this bill. It honors our commitment to those who’ve worn America’s uniform and supports our military and their loved ones. By providing critical funding for military bases and improving housing for our troops and their families, we are ensuring that our national defense needs are met both at home and abroad. We are also upholding our pledge to our veterans. This bill fully funds health care and benefits for those who have honorably served. They upheld their sacred oath to us — and now a grateful nation is keeping our promise to them. Today marks the start of our process and our work to fund the government. As this bill moves forward and considerations are made and debated, the pillars of the proposal won’t change. Our objectives remain:
- Supporting our veterans;
- Honoring the service of our troops and their families; and
- Investing in our military bases and posture.
"We are demonstrating America’s obligations to our heroes, defense, and national security effectively and responsibly."
Full remarks, as prepared for delivery, are available here.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.
A table of included Community Project Funding requests is available here.
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