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“Full Committee Markup of Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill, Interim Subcommittee Allocations”

House Appropriations Committee

June 10-11, 2025 (recording here)

MARKUP INFORMATION

The markup began at 3:00 p.m. on June 10 and concluded in the early morning hours of June 11. Due to the length of the proceedings, we have provided a high-level overview rather than a detailed, speaker-by-speaker summary. We appreciate your understanding.

BILL SUMMARY

• The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act allocates $152.091 billion in discretionary funding—an increase of nearly $5 billion, or 3%, over the enacted FY 2025 level. This legislation aligns with the priorities outlined in President Donald Trump’s budget request and the America First agenda, delivering key investments in military infrastructure to enhance readiness and support the service members and families who rely on these facilities.

• Additionally, the bill includes $300 billion in mandatory funding, bringing the total to $453 billion. Proponents claimed that it reaffirms our nation’s commitment to those who have served by strengthening support for both active-duty personnel and veterans. A full summary of the legislation can be found here.

SOURCES OF CONTENTION

• Democratic members of the Committee spoke at length about the bill’s perceived shortcomings, claiming it failed to meet the needs of veterans and their families. They pointed to concerns surrounding veterans’ mental health, child care centers, construction projects, and recent staffing cuts at the VA.

• Democrats also criticized the bill’s alignment with the President’s agenda. They spoke against provisions related to the 2nd Amendment, DEI initiatives, and gender-affirming care.

• Republican members praised the bill’s efforts to fully fund veterans’ health care programs and benefits, combat veteran homelessness, and maintain funding levels for research and other necessary programs.

• Republicans also supported provisions that dealt with military construction in the Indo-Pacific, prohibiting the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, and banning the VA from purchasing resources from China.

OUTCOMES

• Several Democratic amendments were proposed and subsequently rejected. These included measures related to undocumented immigrants, abortion access, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and regulatory standards.

• The following amendments were adopted:

  • Subcommittee Chairman John Carter (Manager’s Amendment): Adopted by voice vote; made technical, bipartisan changes to the bill and report.

  • Subcommittee Chairman John Carter (En Bloc): Adopted by a vote of 34–28; ensured equitable VA care under the PACT Act, prohibited purchases of certain Chinese-linked equipment, and addressed barracks condition assessments.

  • Rep. Lauren Underwood (Second Amendment): Adopted by voice vote; reaffirmed support for staffing and operations of the Veterans Crisis Line and related suicide prevention programs.

  • Rep. Madeleine Dean (First Amendment): Adopted by voice vote; increased resources for the Veterans Crisis Line.

  • Subcommittee Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fifth Amendment): Adopted by voice vote; reinforced the full funding and continuity of the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF).

• The Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act was approved by a 36-27 vote. The bill will now move on to the full chamber for consideration.

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