Cole Remarks at FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill Subcommittee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Carter, and thank you to Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee for being here.

Today’s measure is the first appropriations bill we will consider for Fiscal Year 2025. I echo my good friend Judge Carter’s comments about this bill. It honors our commitment to those who’ve worn America’s uniform and supports our military and their loved ones.

By providing critical funding for military bases and improving housing for our troops and their families, we are ensuring that our national defense needs are met both at home and abroad. We are also upholding our pledge to our veterans. This bill fully funds health care and benefits for those who have honorably served. They honored their oath to us—and now a grateful nation is keeping our promise to them.

All these important priorities are fulfilled while remaining true to the budgetary levels outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which is the law of the land. We are demonstrating America’s obligations to our heroes, defense, and national security effectively and responsibly.

I want to thank Chairman Carter, Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, and the majority and minority staffs for their hard work, and I look forward to consideration of this bill today. With that, I yield back.