The bipartisan military appropriations measure approved by the U.S. House of Representatives last week contains four provisions authored by U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) to improve life for America’s military service members, update military infrastructure, and support public shipyard workers in her home state of Virginia.
The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, H.R. 8469, the first of 12 appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government for fiscal year (FY) 2027, provides $469.49 billion in total funding, and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“As a Navy veteran, Navy wife, and Navy Mom, I understand the importance of ensuring our service members are supported both at home and abroad,” Rep. Kiggans said. “This includes investing in the infrastructure, facilities, and quality-of-life resources that are essential to military readiness and the well-being of our military families and civilian workforce.
“Hampton Roads [VA] serves a critical role in our national defense,” she added, “and I will continue fighting to ensure our community has the resources it needs to succeed.”
Specifically, H.R. 8469 includes amendments led by Rep. Kiggans that would direct the U.S. Navy to prioritize maintenance and modernization of sensitive compartmented information facilities critical to mission readiness, and highlight the need for repairs and upkeep of infrastructure supporting the Navy’s amphibious capabilities.
Additionally, the legislation would prioritize quality-of-life improvements at Naval Aviation Training facilities, including ready rooms, waiting areas, and restroom facilities, and support the modernization and maintenance of workspaces used by Navy civilian employees at public shipyards, including office buildings and other essential facilities, according to a summary provided by the congresswoman’s staff.
In addition to Rep. Kiggans’ amendments, the bill would fully fund $19.2 billion for the U.S. Department of Defense military construction and family housing, and $450.29 billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which is $83.6 billion above the FY26 enacted levels.
“This bill makes critical investments that support our service members, military families, and veterans by strengthening housing, improving childcare resources, and modernizing outdated facilities,” Rep. Kiggans said. “I’m especially proud that it includes robust funding for veterans’ healthcare and toxic exposure-related treatment to ensure those who sacrificed for our country receive the support they deserve.”