WASHINGTON—This week, the United States House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of this legislation. This package includes the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This act fully funds veterans’ health care programs and benefits, supports national security, and prioritizes military construction on our nation’s military bases. This bipartisan package of six annual spending bills will adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act discretionary spending limits and January’s topline spending agreement. 

“This funding package honors our commitment to our nation’s heroes by fully funding veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and all other related programs,” said Rep. Simpson. “A vote for this bill keeps our commitment to our veterans. I am proud to stand up for America’s heroes by voting to ensure our men and women in uniform and veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice to our country.”

Highlights of the bill include: 

• Fully funding veterans’ health care programs. 
• $2 billion higher than President Biden’s budget request for military construction.
• $17 million for Idaho Army National Guard Jerome County Regional site National Guard vehicle maintenance shop.
• Protects the Second Amendment rights of veterans.

The first set of final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills contains the following bills:

• Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. 
• Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. 
• Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies. 
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. 
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. 
• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. 

The measure was approved with a vote of 339-85. This funding package will advance to the Senate for further consideration.