Carter Remarks at FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill Subcommittee Markup (As Prepared For Delivery)

Welcome to the subcommittee markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.  Welcome Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Ranking Member Wasserman-Schultz.

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 documentation on the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, 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. 

I want to thank the staff on the Subcommittee and would note we received nearly over 3,000 Member requests touching every aspect of the bill. We all recognize the importance of this bill as it funds essential military construction projects, supports veterans' healthcare and benefits, and bolsters national security through our investments. We have attempted to address both Republican and Democrat Member requests within the available budget through Community Project Funding, programmatic funding, and bill and report language. 

I look forward to working with all of you as the bill moves forward, and I ask for your support for this legislation.