Congressman Ken Calvert, representing California's 41st district, joined a majority in the House of Representatives to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The vote concluded with 218 in favor and 206 against.
Rep. Calvert expressed the significance of this bill being the first appropriations measure brought to the House floor this year. He stated, “It is fitting that the first appropriations bill to come to the House floor this year is one that fulfills one of our highest priorities – honoring our commitments to those who have served or are currently serving in our military.” He emphasized that the bill fully funds veterans' health care programs and benefits while addressing infrastructure needs for service members.
The legislation includes several key components as outlined by the House Appropriations Committee. It ensures full funding for veterans' health care and benefits, supports efforts to combat veteran homelessness through new initiatives like the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, and maintains funding levels for research and mental health programs crucial to veterans.
For active troops and their families, the bill allocates $18 billion for Department of Defense military construction and family housing, marking an increase of $480 million from FY25 levels. Additionally, it provides $75 million above previous allocations for planning future barracks as identified by the Government Accountability Office and designates $2 billion for Military Family Housing. Another $75 million above prior levels is set aside for child development centers aimed at improving military families' quality of life.
A detailed summary of the bill can be accessed through official channels.