Chairman Mike Rogers Applauds Passage of Government Funding Bill and Full-Year MILCON/VA Appropriations

November 13, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - After a 43-day government shutdown, Congress has passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, restoring federal operations and securing full-year funding for key agencies. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) praised the legislation, calling it a victory for military families, national security, and fiscal stability.

Ending the Shutdown and Reopening Government

Chairman Rogers, who represents Alabama's 3rd Congressional District, issued a pointed statement following the bill's passage, blaming Senate Democrats for the prolonged shutdown. "I was proud to vote in favor of finally ending Schumer's shutdown," Rogers said. "For 43 days, Senate Democrats have held our country hostage in the name of partisan demands."

The legislation includes a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through early 2026, alongside full-year appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON/VA). Rogers emphasized that the measure "restores stability to our country, reestablishes certainty for military families, and funds key national security work."

He also signaled future legislative priorities, including passage of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the SPEED Act, both central to President Trump's "Peace Through Strength" agenda.

MILCON/VA Funding: A Strategic Investment

The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, embedded within the broader funding package, allocates $153.278 billion in discretionary spending and $263.7 billion in mandatory veterans' programs. The breakdown includes:

Combat-Support Infrastructure

• $7+ billion to construct and upgrade facilities critical to operations and training.

• $2+ billion for infrastructure supporting emerging technologies, including next-gen hangars for advanced platforms.

Shipyard Modernization

• $1.5 billion for the Navy's Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, aimed at revitalizing the four public shipyards.

Quality of Life Enhancements

• $4.5+ billion for MILCON and family housing operations and maintenance, covering barracks, hospitals, schools, child development centers, and more.

National Security Protections

• Maintains prohibitions on closing Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

• Blocks use of MILCON funds for building detainee facilities within the United States.

Veterans' Programs

• $263.7 billion in mandatory spending for disability compensation, education benefits, and employment training.

Alabama Impact and National Implications

For Alabama, which hosts key military installations and a large veteran population, the funding package promises direct benefits. Investments in infrastructure and housing will support readiness at facilities like Fort Novosel and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, while expanded veterans' services will aid thousands of families across the state.

Chairman Rogers' leadership on the Armed Services Committee positions Alabama as a central player in shaping defense policy and appropriations. His support for the bill underscores the state's strategic role in national security and military preparedness.

Looking Ahead

With the government reopened, lawmakers now turn their attention to completing full-year appropriations for remaining agencies and advancing defense legislation. Rogers reaffirmed House Republicans' commitment to President Trump's defense priorities, stating, "House Republicans stand ready to advance President Trump's Peace Through Strength Agenda."

As Congress moves into the next phase of budget negotiations, the passage of this funding bill marks a critical step toward restoring operational continuity and supporting the nation's military and veterans.