U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, has urged his colleagues to support a procedural vote for the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan bill recently passed through the full Appropriations Committee with a vote of 26-3.
In his remarks on the Senate floor, Boozman emphasized the collaborative nature of crafting the bill. “It’s important to remember that we followed tradition in crafting the bill in a very open and bipartisan way – so it’s built on a strong foundation and deserves the support of our colleagues,” he stated.
The proposed legislation includes $153.5 billion in discretionary spending, with $133.3 billion allocated to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Combined with $49.8 billion from the Toxic Exposures Fund, veterans’ medical care will receive $163.6 billion in fiscal year 2026.
Boozman highlighted funding for priority accounts aimed at preventing veteran suicide and increasing rural healthcare access through investments in the Office of Rural Health. The bill also designates approximately $23 billion for mental health programs, veterans homelessness prevention, and innovative medical research.
Additionally, mandatory veterans benefits such as disability pensions and educational benefits are funded by this bill. Advance appropriations for fiscal year 2027 include $122.3 billion for veterans medical care and $262.1 billion for mandatory veterans benefits.
Military construction and family housing needs are addressed with an allocation of $19.8 billion to enhance readiness and morale within the Department of Defense. “Importantly, we provide $1.9 billion to improve housing and quality of life for servicemembers and their families,” Boozman noted.
The bill also supports related agencies like the American Battle Monuments Commission and Arlington National Cemetery with robust funding levels.
Senator Boozman expressed gratitude towards his colleagues Senators Collins, Murray, Ossoff, as well as staff members who contributed to developing this comprehensive legislation.
