Bean Statement: Caring for Our Veterans, Rebuilding Our Military, and Investing in Our National Security

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) issued the following statement regarding the House passage of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. 

Upon House passage, Congressman Bean said: “As the son of a WWII veteran, I understand that veterans’ benefits are not entitlements—they’re earned. Our veterans should never be stuck in the bureaucratic process or ever think twice about getting the care they need. I was proud to help pass this bill, which fully funds our veterans’ benefits and healthcare, makes significant investments in mental health services, and strengthens the quality of life for our troops and their loved ones through additional housing and childcare resources. The bill also fortifies our southern border with robust investments in critical security infrastructure because safeguarding our nation begins by securing our borders.”

KEY BACKGROUND

Champions our veterans by:

• Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
• Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
• Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
• Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.

Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by: 

• Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
• Following through with President Trump’s Executive Orders to prohibit funds for DEI, gender-affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.
• Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

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 United States advanced weapons systems.
• Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
• Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.

The measure passed by a vote of 218 to 206.

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