House Passes First FY26 Bill, Fully Funding VA Health Care and Supporting Military Families

June 25, 2025
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives met to consider the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The measure was approved by a vote of 218 to 206.

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter (R-TX) said, “I’m proud that the House has passed the first FY26 appropriations bill—my Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill—which reflects House Republicans’ commitment to taking care of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. This legislation invests in critical infrastructure like barracks and child development centers, and fully funds veterans’ health care, with a significant focus on mental health services and housing programs our veterans have earned. As Chairman of the subcommittee, I will continue fighting to ensure those who serve our nation have the support they deserve, and I know my colleagues who voted in favor today share that same commitment. I want to sincerely thank Chairman Cole for his leadership and focus on getting solid bills across the finish line.”

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “Today’s passage puts service and strength first—supporting U.S. veterans, military families, and base readiness. The FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill fully funds veteran health care and benefits, marking enhanced investment under President Trump. It strengthens quality of life for troops and their loved ones through housing and childcare resources. And it reaffirms our commitment to peace through strength by providing for base infrastructure and readiness efforts. Chairman Carter delivered a measure that reflects the promise owed to our heroes—past and present. In every respect, we uphold America’s values by honoring those who’ve served and those who still stand ready to defend freedom.”

Subcommittee Chairman Carter’s prepared floor remarks are available here.
Chairman Cole's prepared floor remarks are available here.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 
 
Key Takeaways

Champions our veterans by:

  • Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
  • Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
  • Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
  • Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.

Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by:  

  • Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
  • Syncing up with President Trump’s Executive Orders on no funds for DEI, gender affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.
  • Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:  

  • Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support United States advanced weapons systems.
  • Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
  • Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.

A summary of the bill, before adoption of amendments, is available here.
Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.
Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here.
A table of included Community Project Funding requests is available here.
 

###

Logo