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Congressman Valadao Votes to Fully Fund Benefits for Central Valley Veterans

Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This bill includes critical investments to modernize military infrastructure, support readiness, and enhance the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. It also maintains our nation's commitment to the well-being of our veterans by providing critical resources for healthcare, pension benefits, and housing. Congressman Valadao is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

“I’m proud to support this bill that delivers on our promise to America’s veterans and strengthens support for our military families,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill fully funds veterans’ health care, the VA, and key benefits our veterans have earned, while also investing in a new program to combat veteran homelessness. I’m also happy to see Central Valley priorities included—like important language related to the Bakersfield VA clinic and funding for an F-35 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at NAS Lemoore. This is the first FY26 appropriations bill to clear the House, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move the rest of our funding bills forward.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Fully funds veterans' health care programs. 
  • Fully funds veterans' benefits and VA programs.
  • Combats veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
  • Maintains funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs to support our veterans.
  • Provides robust funding for military construction projects, including NAS Lemoore.
  • Invests in the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Background:

The FY26 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes a total discretionary allocation of $152.091 billion, which is nearly $5 billion (3%) above the FY25 enacted level. This bill also provides $300 billion for mandatory programs, for a total of $453 billion in overall funding. 

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