Baumgartner Celebrates Key Victories in FY2026 MilCon-VA Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) today applauded the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon-VA) Appropriations bill for fully funding veterans’ health care, benefits, and VA programs at $452.64 billion, a critical investment that honors the nation’s commitment to those who have served.

Beyond this major funding commitment, the bill delivers a significant win for veterans’ transportation programs—an initiative Congressman Baumgartner strongly advocated for. The legislation strongly supports the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Volunteer Transportation Network, encouraging increased funding to recruit and retain volunteer drivers and maintain vehicles. This program is vital to making healthcare more accessible, especially for veterans in rural areas of Eastern Washington.

This victory complements the bill’s overall commitment to fully fund veterans’ medical care at $131.4 billion, reinforcing the nation’s promise to those who served.

“Veterans have earned every bit of the care this bill provides, and fully funding their medical care is a victory we must celebrate,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “For veterans in Eastern Washington, reliable transportation to VA facilities isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline. By boosting support for the Volunteer Transportation Network, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure our heroes get the care they deserve, when they need it most.”

To read the letter Congressman Baumgartner wrote to the House Appropriations Committee advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Volunteer Transportation Network, click here. 

Read the full bill text here.