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Bill

HR 3944

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

119th Congress Introduced by John Carter

H.R. 3944 allocates $435.33 billion for veterans' healthcare and military construction, enhancing services and infrastructure for service members and rural communities.

Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House requests a conference.
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Bill Summary · HR 3944

Summary of H.R. 3944: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

Purpose and Intent

H.R. 3944 is a legislative bill aimed at making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The bill seeks to ensure that necessary funding is allocated to support military infrastructure, veterans' healthcare, and agricultural programs, thereby enhancing the welfare of service members and veterans.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant appropriations and provisions:

Military Construction

  • Department of Defense:
    • Army: $2.45 billion for military construction projects, including facilities and installations.
    • Navy and Marine Corps: $5.91 billion for similar purposes.
    • Air Force: $4.09 billion allocated for construction and facility improvements.
    • Defense-Wide: $3.72 billion for various military construction projects across the Department of Defense.

Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Total Funding: Approximately $435.33 billion for the VA, which includes:
    • Mandatory Programs: $301.57 billion.
    • Discretionary Programs: $133.76 billion, a 13% increase from the previous fiscal year.
  • Healthcare: $131.44 billion for veterans' healthcare, with a focus on improving access and quality of care.

Legislative Branch Appropriations

  • Funding for the operations of Congress and related agencies, including increases for Capitol Police to enhance security measures.

Reporting and Oversight Requirements

  • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit various reports to Congress, including:
    • A report on the use of third-party contractors for medical disability examinations within 180 days of enactment.
    • A report detailing the current plan to reduce the workforce of the VA within 90 days of enactment.

Other Provisions

  • Telehealth Funding: Significant allocations for telehealth services for veterans.
  • Lactation Spaces: Requirements for the establishment of lactation spaces in VA medical centers.
  • Community Care Program: Oversight and reporting requirements related to the Veterans Community Care Program to ensure quality and accessibility.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a substantial impact on military and veterans' services by:
- Enhancing military infrastructure and readiness through increased funding for construction projects.
- Improving healthcare access and quality for veterans, particularly through telehealth and community care initiatives.
- Supporting agricultural programs that benefit rural communities and food safety.
- Ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of VA resources and services.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: June 12, 2025
  • Current Status: Considered by the Senate, with significant bipartisan support. Passed the Senate on August 1, 2025, with a vote of 87-9.

Conclusion

H.R. 3944 represents a comprehensive approach to funding critical areas affecting military personnel, veterans, and agricultural communities. By addressing infrastructure needs and enhancing healthcare services, the bill aims to fulfill the government's commitment to those who have served the nation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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