Statement : Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
July 23, 2020
Statement
"The package is the product of months of thoughtful deliberation and input from Members on both sides of the aisle. I am proud of the work we have completed under the incredibly difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This appropriations package addresses urgent national priorities."
July 22, 2020
Statement
"The Appropriations Committee is charged with one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to Congress by the Constitution: the power of the purse. I am proud that we have used that power to make investments that will make the world better, safer, and healthier and give every person a better chance at a better life."
July 9, 2020
Statement
"This year’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill makes critical investments in veterans and military families, reinforces our national security infrastructure, and blocks President Trump from stealing appropriated funds from servicemembers to pay for an ineffective, nativist wall or to backfill projects he already canceled for that purpose."
July 9, 2020
Statement
"The bill before us demonstrates our commitment to our servicemembers and their families and to our Veterans."
July 6, 2020
Statement
"The bill before us today demonstrates our commitment to our servicemembers and their families and to our Veterans."
July 6, 2020
Statement
"The Fiscal Year 2021 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill would invest $115.5 billion to support active duty military, veterans, and their families."
May 28, 2020
Statement
"During this horrible coronavirus crisis, our responsibility to the men and women who have served our country has never been more vital. This Administration’s lack of preparation and mismanagement has led to needless death and suffering, and much fear among veterans, their families, and the health care professionals who care for them."
May 28, 2020
Statement
"I cannot underscore enough the importance of this hearing as we strive to take care of our veterans and do everything in our power to keep our frontline health care workers safe. This hearing is an important opportunity to provide oversight of the almost $20 billion Congress has appropriated to VA in emergency funding in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act to assist VA in combating the pandemic."
March 11, 2020
Statement
"This is an issue that directly affects our military readiness. Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our men and women in uniform, and their families, is vital to developing a strong fighting force that can face the world’s threats. Unfortunately, just like we highlighted last week in our hearing on the failures of privatized housing, our servicemembers are facing threats of a more widespread and insidious nature. In this case, it’s the threat from dangerous, long-lasting chemicals that are far, far too present on and around our military bases."
March 10, 2020
Statement
"To best identify the needs of our Veterans, we must hear from them and partner with those who know them best: our Veteran Service Organizations. Today’s witnesses work tirelessly to assist our Veterans daily as they navigate the too-often cumbersome VA system, the transition to civilian life, and the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial challenges our Veterans face upon returning home. While VA has made great strides in recent years, we know our work is far from done."