House passes veteran affairs funding legislation as first 2026 appropriations bill

The House on Wednesday passed its first 2026 federal funding bill which approves funding for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), including money for veterans' healthcare and other benefits. 

The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act  of 2026 was passed in a 218-206 vote.

The legislation provides funding for the VA and military construction and eliminates funding for diversity initiatives and gender-affirming care. It also bars the VA from sending information about veterans to the FBI without judicial approval.

“Today’s passage puts service and strength first—supporting U.S. veterans, military families, and base readiness," House Veteran Affairs Chairman Tom Cole said in a statement. "The FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill fully funds veteran health care and benefits, marking enhanced investment under President [Donald] Trump. 

"It [also] strengthens quality of life for troops and their loved ones through housing and childcare resources, and it reaffirms our commitment to peace through strength by providing for base infrastructure and readiness efforts," he continued. "In every respect, we uphold America’s values by honoring those who’ve served and those who still stand ready to defend freedom.”

Democrats have criticized the legislation for limiting female service members' access to abortion, and supplying less funds than requested for military construction and defense spending.

The passage marks the first of 12 appropriations bills to be passed for fiscal year 2026, which begins in October. The House Appropriations Committee has advanced funding for the Department of Agriculture, but a final vote has not been scheduled.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.