Carter Remarks at FY26 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Cole, and I want to commend your leadership as we wrap up the Committee’s work on the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process regarding the  Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies bill. I also wish to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Wasserman-Schultz, for their engagement on the bill before us. Especially the work with Ms. Wasserman-Schultz, while there are things we cannot agree, there any plenty we can and most importantly we agree on how important this bill is in supporting our service members and veterans.

I am pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill today. As I mentioned in subcommittee mark-up the other day we need to move forward and do our jobs as appropriators on this critical legislation. As this process moves forward and we receive further documentation on the OMB Budget, we will take it under consideration to put forward a product that best addresses the needs of our service members and veterans. 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 taking 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, this bill keeps our promise to those who put our nation first. I want to thank the staff on the staff on both sides of the aisle for their efforts. 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.  I look forward to working with all of you as the bill moves forward, and I ask for your support for this legislation.  Mr. Chairman, I yield back.