Cole Votes to Support Military Families and Fully Fund Veterans Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

“The strength of the United States has always rested on people willing to serve greater than themselves. The bill we passed today reflects that foundation – fully funding veteran care and benefits, prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention programs, and directing facility modernization. It reinforces base posture by investing in military construction, improving barracks, and ensuring our installations are equipped to uphold readiness. And we support those who shoulder the sacrifices of military service through housing, childcare, and quality-of-life priorities that sustain the families behind the frontlines. The FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill delivers meaningful resources that reinforce America’s strength from the ground up. As the first appropriations measure to pass the House, this legislation reaffirms a funding process grounded in responsibility, readiness, and results,” said Congressman Cole. “The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act delivers on a promise to our heroes – past and present – and ensures they are supported with more than gratitude alone.”

Key Provisions in the FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

• Champions our veterans by fully funding their health care programs and benefits.
• Invests over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries.
• Protects the Second Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
• Supports the Trump Administration’s efforts in improving mental health and suicide prevention among veterans.
• Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support American advanced weapon systems.

Provision Congressman Cole Secured for Oklahoma in the FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

• $55 million for construction of an E-7 Operations Facility at Tinker Air Force Base supporting the personnel, equipment, and aircraft essential to modernizing the Air Force’s airborne warning and control mission.

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