Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted with a majority of the House of Representatives (209 to 197) to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Appropriations Bill.
“One of my highest priorities in Congress is upholding the commitments we made to the men and women who have served in our military,” said Rep. Calvert. “The bill we approved today delivers on that promise by fully funding veterans’ health care programs, and fully funds veterans’ benefits and VA programs. The bill also makes significant investments in the Indo-Pacific region that are necessary to strengthen our national security and our strategic partnerships with allies in the region. Increasing access to childcare for our servicemembers continues to be a critical need, which is why the bill includes a $75 million increase in funding to expand the capacity of child development centers on military installations.”
Bill Summary:
Department of Veterans Affairs:
– Provides $337 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $75.5 million above the FY25 Budget Request and $30 billion above the FY24 enacted level.
– Fully funds veterans’ medical care at $112.6 billion, which is equal to the FY25 Budget Request.
– Fully funds veterans’ benefits and toxic exposures-related needs for FY25.
– Allocates $22.8 billion in advance funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF).
Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing):
– Provides $17.957 billion for Department of Defense military construction and family housing, which is $412 million above the FY25 Budget Request.
– Allocates $1.1 billion for 11 barracks projects.
– Includes $75 million above the FY25 Budget Request for planning and design of future barracks to address deficiencies identified by the Government Accountability Office.
– Invests $1.1 billion in the Indo-Pacific region.
– Allocates $66 million for a new INDOPACOM initiative to improve United States force posture in the region.
– Provides approximately $700 million for investments in Guam to defend the United States and its partners and allies in the region.
– Allocates $943 million for the Guard and Reserve, which is $40 million above the FY25 Budget Request.
– Provides $2 billion for Military Family Housing.
– Includes an additional $75 million above the enacted level for child development centers to improve quality of life for military families.
