Cole Remarks During Floor Consideration of H.R. 8550, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my good friend Judge Carter for yielding me time.

I rise today in support of this important piece of legislation.

There are many things that set our nation apart from others. One of our greatest differentiators is the sustained call to service Americans have met generation after generation.

Those who have worn the uniform, past and present, took an oath to defend our country, our ideals, and our people.

Just as our veterans and troops answered the call of duty, so must this chamber in meeting our constitutional obligations.  

That is why it is deeply fitting that the first Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill we take up covers military construction and Veterans Affairs, two of the highest priorities for this nation.

The bill provides robust funding for military construction projects, with a particular focus on the Pacific region and military family housing. These projects ensure that we can meet our national defense needs both at home and abroad. They also support housing at bases across the country and around the world, allowing members of our armed forces to serve their country without being separated from loved ones.

Even more importantly, the legislation provides full funding for health care and benefits for our nation’s veterans. Through devotion to duty and great personal sacrifice, our veterans served this country, defending not only our homeland, but our families and our way of life. The services the VA provides have been truly earned, and represent the thanks of a grateful nation to our men and women who have served.

Critically, today’s bill fulfills these priorities while remaining true to the budgetary levels outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. But, in a reflection of the deep importance of this topic to America, this bill actually appropriates four hundred million dollars more than the President’s Budget Request. We can, and must, direct our taxpayer dollars to our most important priorities, and today’s bill succeeds in that goal.

I thank Chairman Carter for his hard work on this measure, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it on final passage.

With that, I yield back.