Senator Boozman Delivers Opening Remarks Ahead of Committee Passage

WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Appropriations advanced legislation he crafted that secures key funding for Arkansas military and defense priorities:

“This bipartisan bill delivers the funding, tools and resources necessary to maintain and strengthen America’s defense infrastructure and capabilities. I am proud to champion The Natural State’s critical role in bolstering our national defense –including $93 million to the Red River Army Depot and support for the Arkansas National Guard – and welcome the recommitment to those who have and currently serve through improving mental health care, access to suicide prevention services and funding the modernization of VA hospital systems.”

Boozman secured funding for Arkansas National Guard planning projects and $93 million for the Red River Army Depot’s project, “CTC: Component Rebuild Shop” to repair and extend the life of military equipment. 

This legislation also includes key investments in military housing, improvements to VA electronic health and IT systems and critical funding for telehealth, women’s health initiatives and medical innovation. 

The full measure, advanced by a vote of 26-3, will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Background

The FY 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act provides over $153 billion in discretionary funding, including $19.8 billion in defense funding and $133.6 billion in nondefense funding.