Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend, Judge Carter, for yielding the time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of our first fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill on the floor, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

This legislation reflects something that we have long understood from our founding: America's story has always been shaped by ordinary men and women who are willing to step forward and answer a call greater than themselves. A country worthy of sacrifice must also be worthy of the people who made that sacrifice, and our obligation to those who wear the uniform does not end when they return home and hang up their uniforms.

This bill reflects that promise. We are delivering the support, resources, and readiness that make a real difference. You don't have to rely on my word. The substance of the funding is clear. We fully fund veteran healthcare and benefits. We prioritize critical mental health and suicide prevention efforts. We invest in improvements at VA facilities, military cemeteries, and monuments.

At the same time, this measure reinforces our base posture from the ground up by investing in military construction, improving barracks, and ensuring that our installations are equipped to support readiness in an increasingly complex environment.

From the Indo-Pacific to the commands here at home, strength and preparedness are not optional. We also recognize that a strong military is built not only by those on the front lines but by the loved ones who support them through every sacrifice. That is why this bill supports family housing, childcare, and quality-of-life needs for military families.

Put simply, this legislation strengthens the full foundation of American security through care for our veterans, capabilities for our bases, and construction that supports readiness for the future.

Chairman Carter's work reflects the seriousness that these responsibilities demand and the lasting commitments we owe to those who serve. Together with Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, he wrote a bill that earned unanimous support in our full committee because its priorities are grounded in supporting the best of our Nation.

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Mr. COLE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding additional time.

At a time when Americans too often only hear about division and dysfunction, this strong and bipartisan proposal demonstrates that support for our veterans, troops, and military families can still unite this institution around a common purpose. Voting ``yes'' is a statement that America does not forget those who answered the call to defend her.

Mr. Chair, again, I thank Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz for their leadership on this measure and urge all Members to join me in supporting the bill's final passage.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar), who represents Fort Bliss and is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

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