{"format":1,"id":"119-hr-3944","congress":119,"number":"H.R. 3944","kind":"bill","group":"budget","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026","title_source":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","official_title":"Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes.","titles":[{"type":"Official Title as Introduced","title":"Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes."},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House for portions of this bill","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Official Title from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text","title":"Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes."},{"type":"Short Title(s) for portions of this bill from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House for portions of this bill","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Display Title","title":"Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate for portions of this bill","title":"Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment Senate bill text","title":"Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to Senate","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Titles from RFS (Referred to Senate) bill text","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed House","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Reported to House","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026"}],"outcome":"passed_different","law_number":null,"introduced":"2025-06-12","chambers":{"house":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2025-06-25","vote":{"id":"119-2025-h182","question":"On Passage","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026","result":"Passed","yea":218,"nay":206,"present":0,"not_voting":8,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/roll182.xml"}},"senate":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2025-08-01","vote":{"id":"119-2025-s480","question":"On Passage of the Bill","title":"H. R. 3944, as amended","result":"Bill Passed","yea":87,"nay":9,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00480.xml"}}},"president":{"status":"not_yet","date":null},"vice_president_tie_breaker":null,"latest_action":{"text":"Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House requests a conference.","date":"2025-09-18"},"nominees":null,"amendments":[{"number":"H.Amdt. 35","sponsor":"Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31]","purpose":"Amendment en bloc No. 2 comprised of the amendments numbered 1, 14, 15, 19, 25, 28, and 32, printed in House Report 119-167.","result":"Agreed to","date":"2025-06-25","yea":219,"nay":206,"present":0,"not_voting":13,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/roll180.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3447","sponsor":"Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]","purpose":"To require a report on veterans who would have been reported to the national instant criminal background check system and who die by suicide with a firearm.","result":"Amendment Rejected","date":"2025-08-01","yea":44,"nay":51,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00473.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3115","sponsor":"Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]","purpose":"To prohibit funds from being used for reorganization of the Department of Agriculture and to require a benefit-cost analysis on that reorganization, a public comment period, and a report.","result":"Amendment Rejected","date":"2025-08-01","yea":42,"nay":53,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00474.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3466","sponsor":"Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]","purpose":"To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the plan of the Secretary for Department of Veterans Affairs workforce reduction in fiscal year 2026.","result":"Amendment Rejected","date":"2025-08-01","yea":45,"nay":50,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00475.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3414","sponsor":"Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]","purpose":"To reduce the Agriculture discretionary appropriations by 2 percent across the board.","result":"Amendment Rejected","date":"2025-08-01","yea":14,"nay":81,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00476.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3113","sponsor":"Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]","purpose":"To reduce funding for certain programs under the division making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.","result":"Amendment Rejected","date":"2025-08-01","yea":15,"nay":81,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00477.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3428","sponsor":"Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI]","purpose":"To limit disclosures regarding earmarks.","result":"Amendment Rejected","date":"2025-08-01","yea":21,"nay":75,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00478.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3411","sponsor":"Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]","purpose":"In the nature of a substitute.","result":"Amendment Agreed to","date":"2025-08-01","yea":87,"nay":9,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00479.xml"},{"number":"S.Amdt. 3412","sponsor":"Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK]","purpose":"To improve the bill.","result":"Amendment Agreed to","date":"2025-08-01","yea":81,"nay":15,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00481.xml"}],"other_votes":[{"chamber":"house","date":"2025-06-25","question":"On Agreeing to the Amendment","title":"","result":"Agreed to","yea":219,"nay":206,"present":0,"not_voting":13,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/roll180.xml"},{"chamber":"house","date":"2025-06-25","question":"On Motion to Recommit","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026","result":"Failed","yea":208,"nay":216,"present":0,"not_voting":8,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/roll181.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-07-22","question":"On the Motion to Proceed","title":"Motion to Proceed to Executive Session to consider Emil J. Bove III","result":"Motion to Proceed Agreed to","yea":50,"nay":48,"present":0,"not_voting":2,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00422.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-07-22","question":"On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed","title":"Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Proceed to H.R. 3944","result":"Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to","yea":91,"nay":7,"present":0,"not_voting":2,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00423.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-07-23","question":"On the Motion to Proceed","title":"Motion to Proceed to H.R. 3944","result":"Motion to Proceed Agreed to","yea":90,"nay":8,"present":0,"not_voting":2,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00428.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Motion","title":"Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Points of Order Re: Merkley Amdt. No. 3114","result":"Motion Rejected","yea":44,"nay":51,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00472.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Murphy Amdt. No. 3447","result":"Amendment Rejected","yea":44,"nay":51,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00473.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Van Hollen Amdt. No. 3115","result":"Amendment Rejected","yea":42,"nay":53,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00474.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Duckworth Amdt. No. 3466","result":"Amendment Rejected","yea":45,"nay":50,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00475.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Kennedy Amdt. No. 3414","result":"Amendment Rejected","yea":14,"nay":81,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00476.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Scott (FL) Amdt. No. 3113, as modified","result":"Amendment Rejected","yea":15,"nay":81,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00477.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Johnson Amdt. No. 3428","result":"Amendment Rejected","yea":21,"nay":75,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00478.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Collins Amdt. No. 3411, as amended","result":"Amendment Agreed to","yea":87,"nay":9,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00479.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2025-08-01","question":"On the Amendment","title":"Mullin Amdt. No. 3412","result":"Amendment Agreed to","yea":81,"nay":15,"present":0,"not_voting":4,"kind":"amendment","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00481.xml"},{"chamber":"house","date":"2025-09-11","question":"On Motion to Instruct Conferees","title":"Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026","result":"Failed","yea":211,"nay":213,"present":0,"not_voting":8,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2025/roll263.xml"}],"crs_summary":{"date":"2025-08-01","stage":"Passed Senate","blocks":[{"k":"h","t":"Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026"},{"k":"p","t":"This bill provides FY2026 appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for activities and programs related to military construction, veterans, agriculture, and the legislative branch."},{"k":"p","t":"Specifically, the bill includes 3 of the 12 regular FY2026 appropriations bills:"},{"k":"li","t":"the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026;","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026; and","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026.","d":1},{"k":"p","t":"The departments, agencies, and activities funded in the bill include"},{"k":"li","t":"Department of Defense military construction and family housing activities,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"the Department of Veterans Affairs,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"the Department of Agriculture,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"the Food and Drug Administration,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"the Senate,","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"various agencies that support Congress, and","d":1},{"k":"li","t":"several related and independent agencies.","d":1},{"k":"p","t":"(Pursuant to the longstanding practice of each chamber of Congress determining its own requirements, funds for the House of Representatives are not included in the Senate bill.)"},{"k":"p","t":"The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts."}],"words":172},"summary":{"main_subject":{"text":"Provides fiscal year 2026 appropriations for Department of Defense military construction and family housing, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies, with conditions on how the funds are used.","cites":[{"label":"Title I","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HABEBD8E9BEE44B5CA7233CDFB165DCAF"},{"label":"Title II","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H2CDE594C95F045C28C017C7A375F2827"},{"label":"Title III","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HFF54ADE81F424FCAB76BDE6C39646EF7"}]},"core_areas":["Department of Defense military construction and family housing","Veterans compensation, pension and readjustment benefits","Department of Veterans Affairs health care accounts","Department of Veterans Affairs construction and information technology","Related agencies including the American Battle Monuments Commission and Arlington National Cemetery"],"what_it_does":[{"text":"Provides $2,103,657,000 for Army military construction, to remain available until September 30, 2030.","cite":{"label":"Title I, “Military construction, army”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HB3891DA6D34E44119162F7FCF9835F65"}},{"text":"Provides $241,947,603,000 for veterans' compensation, pension and burial benefits, which becomes available on October 1, 2026.","cite":{"label":"Title II, “COMPENSATION AND PENSIONS”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H8128037CC6D449C9957E8C0E22F26857"}},{"text":"Funds inpatient and outpatient care for Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries under the Medical Services account, available from October 1, 2026 until September 30, 2027.","cite":{"label":"Title II, “MEDICAL SERVICES”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H655C14758B9F425E9661A694EB342006"}},{"text":"Provides $1,750,000,000 for major construction projects of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to remain available until September 30, 2030.","cite":{"label":"Title II, “CONSTRUCTION, MAJOR PROJECTS”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H12A374CBCD084CC3A42733D23365D51F"}},{"text":"Provides $52,676,000,000 for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, available October 1, 2025, and a further $51,742,000,000 available October 1, 2026.","cite":{"label":"Title II, “COST OF WAR TOXIC EXPOSURES FUND”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HD755AE35FC62467D90E30D9FE49D97E3"}},{"text":"Permanently rescinds $15,889,000,000 of unobligated balances under the Veterans Health Administration heading from prior appropriations Acts, excluding Medical and Prosthetic Research and emergency-designated amounts.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 261","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H0CF99E701087433D8FB050A9E76E03DA"}},{"text":"Bars funds in the Act for research beginning on or after July 1, 2025 that uses canines, felines or non-human primates unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves it in writing, and requires a plan to eliminate such research by September 20, 2026.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 246","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HC7109D8BF9F444C888F1E63195E28040"}},{"text":"Provides $106,000,000 for salaries and expenses of the American Battle Monuments Commission, to remain available until expended.","cite":{"label":"Title III, “American battle monuments commission — SALARIES AND EXPENSES”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HD6B1A18C1994452E8608C9ED5D91C63A"}}],"unexpected":[{"category":"off_subject","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 132","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H8837BC955BA7484FA89E6B75D788B2EC"},"heading":"","effect":"Prohibits use of funds in the Act to carry out the closure or realignment of one named naval station.","amount":null,"quote":"None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to carry out the closure or realignment of the United States Naval Station, Guantánamo Bay, Cuba."},{"cite":{"label":"Title II, “BRIDGING RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR VETERAN EMPOWERMENT”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H03B214D33CCB4B869717E23BF7AAE0B9"},"heading":"","effect":"Appropriates $970,000,000 for the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, contingent on enactment of authorizing legislation creating a rental assistance voucher program for homeless veterans, with up to $75,000,000 for pilot programs.","amount":"$970,000,000","quote":"Contingent upon enactment of authorizing legislation to create a rental assistance voucher program for homeless veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 246","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HC7109D8BF9F444C888F1E63195E28040"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds for research commencing on or after July 1, 2025 using canines, felines, or non-human primates unless the Secretary approves it in writing, sets reporting and inspection requirements, and requires a plan to eliminate such research by September 20, 2026.","amount":null,"quote":"The Department shall implement a plan under which the Secretary will eliminate the research conducted using canines, felines, or non-human primates by not later than September 20, 2026."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 260","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HFB431E028B284FA2AEE507C1BA567293"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds by the Secretary under section 5502 of title 38 to report a person deemed mentally incapacitated or incompetent as adjudicated a mental defective under federal firearms law, absent a judicial finding of danger to self or others.","amount":null,"quote":"to report a person who is deemed mentally incapacitated, mentally incompetent, or to be experiencing an extended loss of consciousness as a person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 417","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HF53555E434094FDEAF3590F037D28AA5"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars funds in this Act from being used to classify communications by a United States person as mis-, dis-, or mal-information, or to partner with or fund organizations that recommend censoring lawful speech.","amount":null,"quote":"Classify or facilitate the classification of any communications by a United States person as a mis-, dis-, or mal-information"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 418","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H779B43D6B401478EBD54E0EBEA9543A2"},"heading":"","effect":"Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to keep in effect the Veterans Health Administration smoke-free policy for employees at VA health care facilities published August 8, 2019.","amount":null,"quote":"the policies and requirements described in the transmittal sheet of the Veterans Health Administration published on August 8, 2019"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 408","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H4212EB4EB6C44782BDBA7F31D200D221"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds in this Act to maintain or establish a computer network unless it blocks viewing, downloading and exchanging of pornography, with an exception for law enforcement and criminal investigation activities.","amount":null,"quote":"None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography."}]},{"category":"narrow_beneficiary","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 219","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HC136573E9E974A92989DE06B4172C354"},"heading":"","effect":"Allows up to $654,954,000 of VA medical and IT funds to be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense—Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for operating facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities, and repeals a prior-year section.","amount":"$654,954,000","quote":"may be used for operation of the facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities as described by section 706"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 220","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H4E0E277ACEEB46A1BF14374D63951987"},"heading":"","effect":"Allows up to $739,918,000 of VA medical funds available October 1, 2026 to be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense—Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for operating combined Federal medical facilities.","amount":"$739,918,000","quote":"may be used for operation of the facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities as described by section 706"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 254","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H915682847E834D12909537489665E5C7"},"heading":"","effect":"Allows unobligated VA construction balances to be obligated for a facility under section 2(e)(1) of a 2016 Act to provide additional funds or fund an escalation clause, after committee approval and notice that the entity has exhausted cost containment approaches.","amount":null,"quote":"the entity described in section 2(a)(2) of Public Law 114–294, as amended, has exhausted available cost containment approaches"},{"cite":{"label":"Title III, “United states court of appeals for veterans claims — SALARIES AND EXPENSES”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H33D7177B0275458281E4C7A0A7B1F773"},"heading":"","effect":"Within the Court's $49,000,000, sets aside $3,800,000 for financial assistance under the process and reporting procedures of Public Law 102–229, without naming the recipient.","amount":"$3,800,000","quote":"$3,800,000 shall be available for the purpose of providing financial assistance as described and in accordance with the process and reporting procedures set forth under this heading in Public Law 102–229"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 221","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HED15DB8D2D4047DF9446CA6E6435BFBA"},"heading":"","effect":"Makes Medical Care Collections Fund deposits for care at combined Federal medical facilities available for transfer to the joint demonstration fund and for operating those facilities, with transferred amounts available until expended.","amount":null,"quote":"for operations of the facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities as described by section 706"}]},{"category":"named_funding","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 120","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HC6C7EA1526104573A2CD0785D9A10D4E"},"heading":"","effect":"Appropriates the amounts in the Ford Island Improvement Account, available until expended for the purposes in the cited section of title 10 or until transferred.","amount":null,"quote":"Amounts contained in the Ford Island Improvement Account established by subsection (h) of section 2814 of title 10, United States Code, are appropriated and shall be available until expended"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 222","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H7D8778951DA2447EBA677B2A5B8850C8"},"heading":"","effect":"Requires a minimum of $15,000,000 from VA medical accounts to be transferred to the DOD–VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, available until expended.","amount":"$15,000,000","quote":"a minimum of $15,000,000 shall be transferred to the DOD–VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 251","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HEC95531FF7A047579A8C4C42A0C2A1B4"},"heading":"","effect":"Directs the Secretary to commence construction of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Bakersfield, California by September 30, 2026, unless prevented by a court order.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary shall commence construction of the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Bakersfield, California"},{"cite":{"label":"Title III, “TRUST FUND”","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H3E5DF525FD0749AEB76EDA782068D2FB"},"heading":"","effect":"Appropriates $70,520,000 from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund for the Armed Forces Retirement Home, of which $1,000,000 is for construction and renovation at the Washington and Gulfport facilities.","amount":"$1,000,000","quote":"of which $1,000,000 shall remain available until expended for construction and renovation of the physical plants at the Armed Forces Retirement Home—Washington, District of Columbia"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 414","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H630F40CA5FAA4429AF6C924CAE04D7E7"},"heading":"","effect":"Appropriates an additional $1,500,000 for the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a study on cancer prevalence and mortality among former active-duty aircrew.","amount":"$1,500,000","quote":"for the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the prevalence and mortality of cancers"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 415","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H0F637CE8BE1B4AA7A0A42EC2F4863D88"},"heading":"","effect":"Appropriates $1,500,000 for a pilot program to partner with a private laboratory using forensic genetic genealogy sequencing to identify remains of fallen soldiers buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.","amount":"$1,500,000","quote":"a pilot program for the Secretary to partner with a private laboratory to utilize Forensic Genetic Genealogy sequencing technology to identify the remains of fallen soldiers buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 210","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HAAFB46C6528A4523B19349920F180137"},"heading":"","effect":"Allows VA funds to reimburse three named offices for services at actual cost, capped at $134,343,000, $7,607,000, and $7,686,000 respectively.","amount":null,"quote":"not to exceed $134,343,000 for the Office of Resolution Management, $7,607,000 for the Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication"}]},{"category":"place_specific_amount","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 111","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HEFD392ED7C6543CF8425866E962B08DA"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars obligating funds for architect and engineer contracts estimated over $500,000 in Japan, NATO member countries, or countries bordering the Arabian Gulf unless awarded to United States firms or joint ventures with host nation firms.","amount":"$500,000","quote":"for projects to be accomplished in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty Organization member country, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 112","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H9411E404CA40461296A8B02A7C2B12F8"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars awarding contracts over $1,000,000 to foreign contractors for military construction in Pacific territories and possessions, Kwajalein Atoll, and countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, with exceptions including a 20 percent bid gap and Marshallese contractors on Kwajalein Atoll.","amount":"$1,000,000","quote":"this section shall not apply to contract awards for military construction on Kwajalein Atoll for which the lowest responsive and responsible bid is submitted by a Marshallese contractor"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 119","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HFA753938FD2D4B44BD86956ED521A785"},"heading":"","effect":"Limits annual maintenance and repair spending on general or flag officer quarters to $20,000 per unit without 30 days prior notification to the Appropriations Committees.","amount":"$20,000","quote":"not more than $20,000 per unit may be spent annually for the maintenance and repair of any general or flag officer quarters"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 250","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H16CAEAF5CD994D9CB4244C5781F73347"},"heading":"","effect":"Directs that $1,323,444,000 of fiscal year 2024 Veterans Health Administration funds be made available for gender-specific care and programmatic efforts to deliver care for women veterans.","amount":"$1,323,444,000","quote":"$1,323,444,000 shall be made available for gender-specific care and programmatic efforts to deliver care for women veterans"}]},{"category":"selective_carve_out","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 101","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#HB3A82616B36B4F70AD929D1703B77435"},"heading":"","effect":"Requires the Secretary of Defense's written approval for cost-plus-a-fixed-fee construction contracts over $25,000 performed within the United States, with an exception for Alaska.","amount":"$25,000","quote":"to be performed within the United States, except Alaska, without the specific approval in writing of the Secretary of Defense"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 215","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H48C5F65A3EAD43E394C3CC99E960876E"},"heading":"","effect":"Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter health care agreements with certain providers in Alaska for veterans in rural Alaska, and defines rural Alaska to exclude the municipality of Anchorage and the Fairbanks North Star Borough.","amount":null,"quote":"The term rural Alaska shall mean those lands which are not within the boundaries of the municipality of Anchorage or the Fairbanks North Star Borough."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 235","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H87CB045D9AB7411F917502ACE5A06C88"},"heading":"","effect":"Exempts conversion of certain VA activities to contractor performance from section 842 of Public Law 109–115 when the contractor is a business at least 51 percent owned by Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations.","amount":null,"quote":"conversion of an activity or function of the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, or National Cemetery Administration to contractor performance by a business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more Indian Tribes"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 253","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H5ECA449C93E5406F902B3C6645E9627E"},"heading":"","effect":"Keeps available for liquidating valid obligations certain amounts transferred to a corporation under section 7364(b) of title 38 between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019, if the Secretary determines it is needed.","amount":null,"quote":"Any amounts transferred to the Secretary and administered by a corporation referred to in section 7364(b) of title 38, United States Code, between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 412","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H277196F74BB44A1E8763A9E55476C41B"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars Department of Defense funds in this Act from being used to build, renovate, or expand facilities in the United States, its territories, or possessions to house individuals detained at Guantánamo Bay, and exempts modifications of facilities at Guantánamo Bay.","amount":null,"quote":"The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to any modification of facilities at United States Naval Station, Guantánamo Bay, Cuba."}]},{"category":"rule_delay","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 255","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H5CEB434402CE4DE89E10936D6FA33FFE"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds to implement or carry out the VA interim final rule published September 9, 2022, any successor, or any substantially similar rule or policy; also restricts funds for abortion with exceptions.","amount":null,"quote":"None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to implement, administer, or otherwise carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs interim final rule published on September 9, 2022"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 257","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H3AF63AEA54C14943BF05BE3DCEACDF26"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 to administer, implement, or enforce the VA final rule on rates paid for special modes of transportation, published February 16, 2023.","amount":null,"quote":"none of the funds made available by this Act may be used to administer, implement, or enforce the final rule issued by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to “Change in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation”"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 258","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H21DA7AB0139A485E89F05F768D0A5611"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds to carry out VHA Directive 1193.01, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccination program directive for Veterans Health Administration health care personnel.","amount":null,"quote":"None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to carry out VHA Directive 1193.01, “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Program for Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel”."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 421","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H8C59892467C4402393169AD79EF454C0"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars Department of Veterans Affairs funds in this Act from being used to enforce parts of Veterans Health Directive 1315 that prohibit VHA providers from completing forms or registering Veterans for State-approved marijuana programs.","amount":null,"quote":"may be used to enforce Veterans Health Directive 1315 as it relates to—"}]},{"category":"process_change","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 240","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H34FB77F2B46E4067A77C759EF3017FF6"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of Title II funds by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter dispute or claim settlement agreements that restrict an individual from speaking to members of Congress or their staff.","amount":null,"quote":"may be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement related to resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would restrict in any way the individual from speaking to members of Congress"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 242","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H238C54BBED4745DFBADFB42593CB963A"},"heading":"","effect":"Bars use of funds in the Act to deny an Inspector General funded under the Act timely access to records, and sets access and reporting duties for the department or agency and its Inspector General.","amount":null,"quote":"None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to deny an Inspector General funded under this Act timely access to any records"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 407","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh#H848FD5CBDC1E45288630C0FF237D4B16"},"heading":"","effect":"Directs agencies receiving funds in this Act to post on their public websites reports required by Congress when the agency head determines it serves the national interest, with exceptions for national security and confidential information, and after 30 days with the requesting committees.","amount":null,"quote":"post on the public Web site of that agency any report required to be submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act"}]}],"version":{"type":"Engrossed in House","date":"2025-06-25","rule":"passed","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text/eh"},"current":true,"model":"claude-sonnet-5-5","approved":"2026-09-29","approved_by":"checks"},"sources":{"congress_gov":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944","text":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3944/text"},"card":{"image":"card/item/119-hr-3944.png","v":"3b9987212010","alt":"Votes on Record. H.R. 3944, 119th Congress: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. House: 218 Yea, 206 Nay. Senate: 87 Yea, 9 Nay. Outcome: Passed in two versions, 1 Aug 2025."}}