House Appropriations Committee Advances 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Funding Bill

WASHINGTON – Today, Democrats and Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies fiscal year 2027 spending bill. 

“I was able to support this bipartisan bill today after working with the Chairman to ensure this bill makes vital investments in veterans' healthcare, corrects barracks and environmental deficiencies, and funds much-needed child development centers for servicemembers. Most significantly, it honors a commitment to our veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and substances. Though far from perfect, given the inadequate allocations, it still woefully underfunds military construction, fails our NATO allies, and pushes dangerous, divisive riders. It also forces us to blindly budget while other bills our veterans count on are still unknown, and massive defense spending hikes are still sure to emerge. However, this bill stands better today than when we started, and I'm hopeful we'll improve upon its progress,” Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) said. “Crucially, this bill avoids the sharp, sweeping cuts and many of the toxic culture war riders we've seen before. The increased VA funding of more than $4 billion, and Veterans Medical Care by $6.5 billion, are critical, as is the advance funding for the Toxic Exposure Fund under the PACT Act, to ensure reliable access to care. Going forward, I'm committed to working with Democrats and Republicans to continue to strengthen this bill to better deliver the critical healthcare, services and housing our veterans and servicemembers count on. Those who served this country in uniform deserve nothing less.”

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz’s full remarks are here.

“I am proud of the progress that Democrats were able to make in improving this military construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill as it moved through the appropriations markups,” Appropriations Committee Ranking Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. “By working with Democrats to amend the bill and advance fund health care for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals, the committee has passed legislation that supports our veterans and their families andincludes several safeguards to ensure the VA puts veterans first. Our support for this measure shows that when Republicans are willing to work with Democrats in a bipartisan manner, we will vote for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate and across the aisle to improve this bill even further during conference negotiations and provide the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform with the resources and care they deserve.”

Congresswoman DeLauro’s full remarks as prepared for delivery are here.

Despite an imperfect bill, Democrats were successful in working with Republicans to fully fund the Toxic Exposures Fund, the resources to care for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. Democrats also successfully amended the bill to withhold 25 percent of the budget of the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs until he testifies before both House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

Democrats offered a number of amendments which were rejected by Republicans, including amendments to:

• Prevent veterans who are struggling with mental health crises and pose a harm to themselves or others from acquiring a firearm.
• Prevent the use of any funds for the construction of a triumphal arch that would obscure the view of Arlington National Cemetery from the National Mall.
• Strike accompanying legislative report language regarding restrictions on reproductive healthcare.

A summary of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is here. 

Watch the full committee markup here.

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