Fargo Standard

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) has voted in favor of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. The bill passed the House with a vote tally of 218-206.

“Our nation’s strength—and our peace—depend on the selfless men and women who serve in uniform. This legislation upholds our promise to America’s veterans by fully funding health care and benefits and supporting critical mental health and homelessness programs,” Fedorchak stated. She added that it also invests in ensuring the military remains a formidable force globally. After visiting Minot Air Force Base and Camp Grafton earlier this year, she expressed satisfaction with supporting legislation that aids North Dakota military installations in infrastructure improvements.

The bill allocates significant funds towards military infrastructure to enhance readiness and support for service members and their families:

- $18 billion is designated for Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing.

- $453 billion is allocated to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

- $341 million is earmarked for related agencies including the American Battle Monument Commission, Arlington National Cemetery, and Armed Forces Retirement.

Key provisions within the bill include full funding for veterans’ health care programs as well as benefits through VA programs. It supports President Trump’s initiatives against veteran homelessness by investing in the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program. Funding levels are maintained for research, mental health programs, among others relied upon by veterans.

The bill also includes measures such as protecting Second Amendment rights by preventing VA from sending information about veterans to the FBI without judicial consent. It aligns with President Trump’s Executive Orders on issues like DEI funding prohibition, gender affirming care restrictions, and maintaining pro-life policies at VA facilities.

Additional prohibitions are set against processing medical claims for illegal aliens by VA; purchasing resources from China; closing Naval Station Guantanamo Bay or using construction funds for detainee facilities on U.S soil; while providing robust funding aimed at sustaining investments in Indo-Pacific region infrastructure necessary for advanced weapons systems.