Cole Remarks at FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup (As Prepared for Delivery)

I would like to once again welcome everyone to the first full committee markup of Fiscal Year 2027. To Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz – thank you for your work in getting us to this point as we begin consideration of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill. And to Ranking Member DeLauro, I look forward to another season of bipartisan engagement and lively debate. 

While we serve Article I, the bill before us also represents another obligation – the one we have to those who put duty to our nation first. This measure is a testament to our veterans, our servicemembers, and the families behind them. The legislation comprehensively supports the care, resources, and readiness that make a difference for those who answer the call to defend this nation – past, present, and future.

These core elements are evident in the investments made throughout this bill, including:

• Fully funding veteran health care and benefits;
• A focus on critical mental health and suicide prevention efforts;
• And long-term capital improvements at VA facilities, military cemeteries, and monuments. 

Further, we recognize that military service is not carried alone – it extends to the loved ones who support it every day. This legislation ensures our military families are taken care of with important resources for housing, childcare, and quality-of-life needs.

We also enhance our military posture by strengthening the infrastructure, facilities, and readiness our troops rely on. In a world that is not standing still, this bill ensures our military isn’t either. Strong bases, barracks, and installations are crucial to a capable force – and we are providing the resources to get them built. 

Altogether, Chairman Carter’s leadership delivers on our commitment to care, capability, and security. I am again grateful to him and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz for their work and bipartisan engagement. I also thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work, which makes our efforts here today possible. 

I look forward to action on a measure that supports our veterans and troops, strengthens critical infrastructure, and advances the readiness our nation depends on. I urge all members to support this bill and join me in advancing it out of committee. With that, I yield back.