U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), serving as Chairman of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, has announced progress on legislation aimed at bolstering military and defense efforts in Arkansas. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has advanced a bill crafted by Boozman that ensures key funding for these priorities.
“This bipartisan bill delivers the funding, tools and resources necessary to maintain and strengthen America’s defense infrastructure and capabilities,” said Boozman. “I am proud to champion The Natural State’s critical role in bolstering our national defense – including $93 million to the Red River Army Depot and support for the Arkansas National Guard – and welcome the recommitment to those who have and currently serve through improving mental health care, access to suicide prevention services and funding the modernization of VA hospital systems.”
The legislation includes provisions for Arkansas National Guard planning projects, alongside a significant $93 million investment for the Red River Army Depot’s project titled “CTC: Component Rebuild Shop,” which focuses on repairing and extending the life of military equipment.
Additional elements of the bill focus on investments in military housing, improvements to VA electronic health and IT systems, as well as funding for telehealth services, women’s health initiatives, and medical innovation.
The appropriations measure was passed with a vote of 26-3 in committee and is now set to move forward to the Senate for further consideration.
The FY 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act outlines over $153 billion in discretionary funding. This includes $19.8 billion dedicated to defense funding along with $133.6 billion allocated for nondefense expenditures.
