The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act. This legislation aims to support housing, infrastructure, and facilities for U.S. military forces and their families while increasing funding for veterans' healthcare and benefits.
The bill passed with a vote of 26-3 and allocates $153.5 billion in discretionary funding. This includes $19.8 billion for defense funding and $133.6 billion for non-defense purposes.
"The investments this legislation makes in critical Department of Defense infrastructure will help to strengthen our national security, improve our military’s readiness and safety, and reduce maintenance costs," said Senator Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
Senator John Boozman, Chair of the MilCon-VA Appropriations Subcommittee, commented on the bipartisan nature of the bill: “This bipartisan bill delivers critical investments to strengthen America’s defense infrastructure and capabilities... Further, it is a strong reflection of our commitment to uphold the promises made to those who have worn our nation’s uniform by improving access to mental health care and suicide prevention services.”
Key highlights of the bill include $19.8 billion allocated for more than 280 projects at military bases worldwide under the Military Construction program. It also sets aside $1.9 billion specifically for improving housing for servicemembers and their families.
For the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the bill designates $133.3 billion in funding.
Additionally, provisions are retained that prevent realignment or closure of Guantanamo Bay Naval Station and prohibit construction of new facilities in the U.S. for Guantanamo detainees.
A new provision bans the VA from purchasing technology equipment manufactured by Chinese companies listed by various U.S. departments including Defense, Treasury, Commerce, or Homeland Security.
