Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5860, a bill that keeps the government open until November 17^th.

While I would rather be here speaking on the floor about final appropriations bills, I want members to understand why passing this short-term funding bill today is so important.

First, I want to explain how we find ourselves in this situation.

Just nine months ago, when Republicans took back the Majority in the House, our commitment was to Regular Order for appropriations.

Today's hearing is on the VA's Electronic Health Record Modernization program. I'd like to welcome our witnesses: Dr. Neil Evans and Dr. Jonathan Nebeker, who are leading the program for VA, and Mr. Mike Sicilia with Oracle Global Industries.

A modern, interoperable electronic health record system that fully integrates VA, Defense Department, and community providers is a fundamental part of fulfilling our promise to provide world-class health care to our country's Veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4366, a bill that will provide funding for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

During the last Congress, three trillion dollars was spent outside of the normal appropriations process. As spending soared, so did inflation.

There was damage done to the economy, and the work of the Appropriations Committee changed significantly over those two years.

That is why earlier this year, I asked Subcommittee Chairs to evaluate all of the funding in the pipeline.

I'm honored to present the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to the House today.

This bill is special because it supports our troops and their families, and the Nation's veterans.

The bill provides $17.5 billion for military construction and family housing projects. This is less than the FY23 enacted amount. However, it is nearly $800 million above the President's request.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. McGovern, and members of the Committee. I want to thank each of you for the opportunity to testify on the FY24 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill.

This is a good bill because it supports our troops and their families and the Nation's veterans.

We provide almost $800 million above the budget request for military construction and family housing.

We focus this funding to deter China's aggression in the Pacific and on barracks and child development centers.