Congresswoman Kiggans Secures Key Wins in FY26 Appropriations Bill to Support Servicemembers, Veterans, and Their Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support by a vote of 218 to 206.

The legislation provides over $453 billion in total funding, and contains several provisions authored by Congresswoman Kiggans that directly support servicemembers, veterans, and military families.

Congresswoman Kiggans successfully secured the inclusion of multiple amendments in the final bill. These provisions:

• Assert the importance of developing privatized housing for unaccompanied servicemembers
• Emphasize the need for additional resources to build new military child development centers to expand childcare access
• Require the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain access to medical care for veterans in U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States
• Ensure the VA fully funds and executes mental health care programs, including suicide prevention and outreach
• Direct the Navy and Marine Corps to prioritize base infrastructure improvements and the demolition of obsolete facilities
• Direct the Navy to prioritize basing the F-35 at Naval Air Station Oceana, the East Coast Master Jet Base

“These aren’t just priorities for me—these are real changes that will directly improve the lives of our servicemembers and veterans,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “From housing and childcare to mental health and military readiness, I’m proud to have my amendments included in the bill to deliver results for Virginia’s Second District.”

The bill also includes $15 million in Community Project Funding for shore power upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk to support Ford-class carriers and Virginia-class submarines, and $12 million for planning and design of the EOD Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Facility, which will improve operational readiness for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and diving units in Hampton Roads.

In addition to Kiggans’ amendments, the bill fully funds:

• $18 billion for Department of Defense military construction and family housing, including:
  • $2 billion for Military Family Housing
  • $75 million above FY25 levels for new child development centers
  • $75 million for planning and design of future barracks
  • $110 million for modernization of defense laboratories
  • $75 million for demolition of outdated infrastructure
  • $1.2 billion for National Guard and Reserve construction
    
• $452.6 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, including:
  • $131.4 billion for veterans’ medical care
  • $52.67 billion for toxic exposure-related care through the Toxic Exposures Fund
  • $970 million for the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program to combat veteran homelessness

“As a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, and Navy Mom, I will never stop fighting to make sure our troops are supported both at home and abroad,” Congresswoman Kiggans added. “This bill reflects that commitment—and it includes results that matter to our military families.”

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.