Newhouse Votes to Fully Fund VA, Veterans Services

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse recently voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation aims to provide essential support to the Department of Veterans Affairs, including medical care and benefits for veterans. Newhouse highlighted the importance of keeping promises to support America's veterans, citing the need for a strong VA to address mental health services and homelessness. The bill also invests in military infrastructure and counteracts the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $152.091 billion, which is a $5 billion (3%) increase from the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level.
  • The bill includes $300 billion for mandatory programs, totaling $453 billion in overall funding.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs is allocated $452.64 billion, a $82.6 billion increase above the FY25 enacted level, fully funding veterans' medical care at $131.4 billion.
  • The bill also includes $970 for the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program to end veteran homelessness.
  • The Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing receives $18 billion, a $480 million increase above the FY25 enacted level, with $75 million above the enacted level for planning and design of future barracks.
  • The INDOPACOM minor military construction program is continued with increased funding for planning and design.
  • Over $1.2 billion is allocated for Guard and Reserve facility construction, with $2 billion for Military Family Housing and $75 million above the enacted level for child development centers.

Statistics:

  • Total discretionary allocation: $152.091 billion
  • Mandatory programs: $300 billion
  • Overall funding: $453 billion
  • Department of Veterans Affairs: $452.64 billion
  • Veterans' medical care: $131.4 billion
  • Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program: $970
  • Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing: $18 billion
  • Planning and design of future barracks: $75 million above the enacted level
  • INDOPACOM minor military construction program: increased funding for planning and design
  • Guard and Reserve facility construction: over $1.2 billion
  • Military Family Housing: $2 billion
  • Child development centers: $75 million above the enacted level

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
  • Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Related Agencies Appropriations Act