Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This legislation fully funds veterans’ benefits, VA programs, and bolsters our national security.
“We can never fully repay our veterans and their families for their incredible sacrifice, but what Congress can do is ensure that those who serve our country have the resources they need to provide for themselves and their families,” said Rep. LaHood. “We owe our current and future veterans an enormous debt of gratitude. In Congress, I am deeply committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes by advocating for policies to ensure they receive benefits, healthcare, and resources they rightfully deserve. Illinois’ 16th Congressional District is home to over 38,000 veterans, and I am honored to work on their behalf.”
Background:
- This bill champions our veterans by:
- Fully funding veterans’ health care programs;
- Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs;
- Supporting efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment Program; and
- Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other critical programs veterans rely on.
- Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
- Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support U.S. advanced weapons systems; and
- Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly through the Chinese Communist Party.
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