Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I rise today with deep respect and unwavering gratitude for the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America. My support for the members of our military does not end when their service is complete, and I will always take steps to ensure that our Nation's veterans and their families receive the benefits that they were promised and are owed.

My amendments included in this package today ensure our Nation keeps its sacred promise to those who have served our great country.

From providing additional funding for the construction of new State extended care facilities to increasing funds for medical and prosthetic research, and from reducing the backlog at the Board of Veterans' Appeals to providing burial services and benefits for veterans in rural areas lacking a VA national cemetery, my amendments will directly improve the quality of life for veterans throughout Colorado and America.

This bill makes good on President Trump's promises that he made to our veterans. It mirrors his executive orders on no funds for DEI and on radical transgender surgeries while also supporting the President's efforts to combat veteran homelessness through investment in the new Bridging Rental Assistance For Veteran Empowerment program.

This bill protects the Second Amendment rights of veterans by preventing the VA from sending information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about veterans without a judge's consent.

It also prohibits the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bipartisan en bloc and for this critical piece of legislation. Our veterans are the living embodiment of duty, honor, and sacrifice. They have stood on the front lines for our freedom, and this bill is a great opportunity to now stand for them.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source