U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor before a 90-8 procedural vote to advance the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act. The bipartisan bill had previously passed out of the Committee with a 26-3 vote.
Senator Collins emphasized the importance of the bill for military personnel and veterans. “Madam President, today the Senate has the opportunity to begin consideration of an appropriations bill that is vital to those now serving in our military, as well as those who have served, our veterans,” she stated.
The bill addresses infrastructure needs and veteran care. It includes funding for military family housing improvements and support for veterans’ benefits. Collins highlighted investments in Maine’s defense infrastructure such as Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Air National Guard’s Air Refueling Wing.
Collins acknowledged cooperation from subcommittee chairman Senator Boozman and ranking member Senator Ossoff. She also expressed gratitude to Vice Chair Murray for her leadership in advancing appropriations through regular order.
The Senate version includes resources for servicemembers and critical infrastructure investments. It provides funding for VA health care systems including Togus Hospital in Maine, mental health care improvements, and veteran suicide prevention programs.
Collins noted that the bill was crafted with input from 89 senators who submitted 989 requests. “This is not a bill that simply reflects the views of the members of the Appropriations Committee,” she said.
Collins hopes cloture will be invoked to proceed with considering additional appropriations bills like Legislative Branch Appropriations and Agriculture, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations.
In closing, Collins underscored Congress’s constitutional responsibility over fiscal matters: “We must not abdicate our constitutional responsibility for the purse.”
