Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend from Texas, the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, for yielding.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this important piece of legislation.

There are many things that set our Nation apart from others. One of our greatest differentiators is the sustained call to service Americans have met generation after generation. Those who have worn the uniform past and present took an oath to defend our country, our ideals, and our people. Just as our veterans and troops answered the call of duty, so must this Chamber in meeting our constitutional obligations.

That is why it is deeply fitting that the first fiscal year of 2025 appropriations bill we take up covers military construction and Veterans Affairs, two of the highest priorities for our Nation.

This bill provides robust funding for military construction projects with a particular focus on the Pacific region and military family housing. These projects ensure that we can meet our national defense needs both at home and abroad. They also support housing at bases across the country and around the world, allowing members of our Armed Forces to serve their country without being separated from their loved ones.

Even more importantly, this legislation provides full funding for healthcare and benefits for our Nation's veterans. Through devotion to duty and great personal sacrifice, our veterans have served this country and served it well, defending not only our homeland but our families and our way of life. The services the VA provides have been truly earned and represent the thanks of a grateful nation to our men and women who have served in uniform.

Critically, today's bill fulfills these priorities while remaining true to the budgetary levels outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, but in a reflection of the deep importance of this topic to America, this bill actually appropriates $400 million more than the President's budget request. We can and must direct our taxpayer dollars to our most important priorities, and today's bill succeeds in that important objective.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Carter for his hard work on this measure, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it on final passage.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source