June 10, 2024
This week, the House began the process of passing appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025, starting with the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 8580). Passing this bill was a major priority for me as it takes care of our military heroes both during and after their service, from ensuring safe housing for military families to ensuring our veterans have access to the care they deserve.
Most importantly, this bill will fully fund veterans’ benefits and healthcare programs. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our nation, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the highest level of care and support. This bill reflects our unwavering commitment to honor their service by providing robust funding for veterans’ healthcare programs. It ensures that our heroes have access to top-notch medical treatment, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs tailored to their unique needs. By investing in these critical areas, we are working to improve the overall quality of life for our veterans, ensuring their needs are met. This legislation is a testament to our dedication to fulfilling our promises to those who have bravely served our nation.
This legislation also fulfills our promises to active-duty servicemembers by ensuring their families are supported so they can focus on protecting and serving our nation. Too often, we hear reports of military housing failing to meet safety and quality standards — this legislation will provide for the maintenance and updating of current housing, as well as develop plans for new barracks and other housing. Additionally, it funds military construction projects to maintain military bases at home and abroad, bolstering our national security.
Additionally, this legislation would block President Biden’s woke Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) policies, which focus on identity politics and distract from our military’s core mission of national defense.
This bill passed the House and is now headed to Chuck Schumer’s desk — I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this measure expeditiously. It’s simple: this vote is about supporting our veterans and our troops while also strengthening the defense of the United States.
I also want to address the good news that the Israeli Defense Forces have successfully rescued four hostages who endured over 240 days of unimaginable hardship in Gaza. This courageous operation united families with their loved ones and marks another step toward defeating Hamas.
While this is something to celebrate, we must not lose sight of the fact that there are still American hostages in captivity. These individuals continue to face dire conditions, and it is our obligation to do everything within our power to bring them home. I continue to urge President Biden to make this his number-one priority instead of appeasing terrorist proxies.
I will always stand with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, on the front lines in the fight against terrorism.
Sincerely,
Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy signature image
Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy
Member of Congress
