GOP members of the U.S. House of Representatives applauded the May 15 passage of bipartisan appropriations legislation supporting America’s military veterans and active duty service members, highlighting the many ways in which the measure is a necessity.
The House voted 400-15 to advance the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, H.R. 8469, to the U.S. Senate. The bill would provide $469.49 billion in total funding, including critical investments in military infrastructure that support readiness and the military families that utilize them, and it fully funds veterans’ benefits and healthcare programs.
“The strength of the United States has always rested on people willing to serve something greater than themselves. This bill reflects that foundation, fully funding veteran care and benefits, prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention programs, and directing facility modernization,” said U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK).
“It reinforces base posture by investing in military construction, improving barracks, and ensuring our installations are equipped to uphold readiness,” the congressman said. “And we support those who shoulder the sacrifices of military service through housing, childcare, and quality-of-life priorities that sustain the families behind the frontlines.”
Rep. Cole added that as the first appropriations measure to pass the House, H.R. 8469 “reaffirms a funding process grounded in responsibility, readiness, and results.”
“As a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation,” said U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK). “Our brave service members and veterans deserve access to the care, benefits, and resources they have earned through their service to our nation.”
The congresswoman pointed out that the measure also invests in key military infrastructure, housing, and childcare.
“Importantly, it also continues to invest in resources to counter the threats we face from China,” said Rep. Bice. “I appreciate Chairman Cole’s tireless work in getting the first FY27 appropriations bill to the House floor.”
U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) said the bill helps ensure the federal government meets its commitments to supporting service members, veterans, and military families.
“It ensures our troops have the facilities and support they need while improving care and services for the men and women who served our country,” said Rep. Franklin, adding that H.R. 8469 also includes several priorities he worked to advance, including resiliency improvements at the U.S. Naval Academy to address recurrent flooding that threatens infrastructure, disrupts operations, and impacts the training environment for future naval officers.
If enacted, the proposed bill also would bolster research and treatment efforts for veterans battling Parkinson’s disease and ALS, expands access to advanced cancer treatment and clinical trials, and continues modernization across the VA system, including cybersecurity protections and emerging technologies that improve early detection and patient care, he said.
“The legislation also fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits, [and] strengthens mental health and suicide prevention programs,” Rep. Franklin said. “Importantly, it also protects veterans’ Second Amendment rights by preventing the VA from sharing their information with the FBI without due process and a judicial determination.
“As an appropriator, I was pleased this bill passed the House with bipartisan support,” added the congressman. “That’s an important step toward funding the government on time and improving accountability in the process.”