Collins Honors U.S. Servicemembers During Speech on MILCON VA Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) delivered remarks on the House floor regarding the MilCon-VA Appropriations bill. During the speech, Collins outlined how the bill will support our troops and thanked them for defending America from those who mean us harm.
Key Excerpts
"I want to take a minute to thank our servicemen and women, our military personnel that are stationed all around this world, that are standing in the gap, that are ensuring our freedoms are protected. Not only our freedoms but our kid's opportunity to grow up in the greatest country in the world."
"That's why I rise to highlight the veterans appropriations bill that will support our troops overseas and let them know that we've got their back."
"House Republicans are providing over $800 billion above the president's budget."
"H.R. 4366 also funds new barracks and other quality of life projects so that our men and women in uniform can perform at their best while they're out there defending our nation."
"Our troops and their families make great sacrifices in defending our country, and it's our duty to support them and give them the support they deserve."
Background
The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2024, introduced by Rep. John Carter, provides FY24 appropriations for military construction, the VA, and related agencies that honor our commitment to Veterans, support a strong national security, and keep the executive branch in check. Specifically, H.R. 4366:
Honors our commitment to Veterans by:
- Fully funding Veterans’ health care programs; and
- Fully funding Veterans’ benefits and VA programs, including the electronic health record modernization initiative.
Supports a strong national security by:
- Providing nearly $800 million above the President’s Budget Request for military construction, focusing investments in the Pacific theater, barracks, and other quality-of-life projects; and
- Maintaining two provisions prohibiting the closure or realignment of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Cuts Wasteful Spending by:
- Prohibits the use of funds to promote or advance critical race theory.
- Prohibits the implementation, administration, or enforcement of the Biden Administration’s executive orders on DEI.
Eliminates funding for the VA’s Office of Public Affairs in response to the VA’s inaccurate and politically motivated press releases making false claims about budget cuts.
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