The House approved legislation last week that will fully fund care for American veterans and their families, lawmakers said.
The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027 outlines how $157 billion in discretionary allocation should be spent. The bill is $4 billion above last year’s funding, a 3 percent increase. Officials said the bill includes critical investments in military infrastructure and the military families that utilize them. The bill also provides $323.9 billion for mandatory programs.
“This legislation is a testament to America’s commitment to taking care of the men and women who have bravely worn the uniform. It fully funds veterans’ health care, mental health services, and community care programs to ensure our veterans have the resources they need to thrive. The bill also strengthens quality of life for military families by investing in housing, childcare, and critical infrastructure projects,” Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chair U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-TX) said.
The legislation fully funds veterans’ health care programs and veterans’ benefits and invests more than $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries, while funding research, mental health programs and other programs relied upon by veterans. Additionally, the legislation provides funding for military construction, maintains prohibitions on closing Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and prohibits the VA from purchasing resources from Communist China.
“The strength of the United States has always rested on people willing to serve something greater than themselves. This bill reflects that foundation – fully funding veteran care and benefits, prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention programs, and directing facility modernization,” House Appropriations Committee Chair U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) said. “It reinforces base posture by investing in military construction, improving barracks, and ensuring our installations are equipped to uphold readiness. And we support those who shoulder the sacrifices of military service through housing, childcare, and quality-of-life priorities that sustain the families behind the frontlines.”