Senator Shaheen Secures Priorities in FY 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Bill

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has successfully secured priorities in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support. The bill includes provisions that will ensure veterans can access healthcare, including substance use disorder treatment, and help prevent and respond to intimate partner violence (IPV). Senator Shaheen's provisions aim to honor the nation's commitment to its veterans, providing them with excellent healthcare and benefits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Shaheen secured over $700 million in funding for opioid prevention and treatment programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including $600 million for nonpharmacological treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain.
  • The bill increases resources for the VA's Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) by $36.879 million, from the FY2025 enacted level, to assist veterans impacted by IPV.
  • Shaheen secured an amendment to improve the compensation and pension (C&P) examination process for Granite State veterans, which has been particularly challenging due to long distances for exams.
  • The bill urges the VA to create and submit a report to Congress on the distances and problems veterans have reported in obtaining C&P exams.
  • Senator Shaheen has spearheaded efforts in the Senate to support veterans and military families, including working to pass the PACT Act in 2022 and supporting benefits for veterans suffering from exposure to Agent Orange.

Statistics:

  • Over $700 million in funding for opioid prevention and treatment programs at the VA.
  • $600 million allocated for nonpharmacological treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain.
  • $36,879,000 increase in resources for the VA's Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP).
  • FY2026 MilCon-VA Appropriations bill allocates a total of $36,879 million for the VA's IPVAP.
  • Number of Granite State veterans impacted by IPV: not specified.
  • Funding for C&P exams: not specified.

Sources:

  • United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen (Washington, DC)
  • U.S. Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies (Ag-FDA) Subcommittee
  • U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
  • Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill
  • PACT Act (passed in 2022)
  • Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act (signed into law in 2019)
  • National Warrior Call Day (recognized annually on November 17)