Before heading home for the August work period, the House voted to fund national security priorities, including money for Department of Defense equipment, personnel, and infrastructure, nuclear defense, care for our veterans, and security in and around the U.S. Capitol.
Dear Friend,
The primary duty of Congress is to provide for the common defense of the American people. Providing for the security of our homeland and interests abroad are responsibilities I take very seriously.
That is why I am proud to say that the Make America Secure Appropriations Act (H.R. 3219) – the package of appropriations bills approved in the House at the end of July – delivers on our promise to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
The package provides the fiscal year 2018 funding for the most critical functions of our government by allocating money for the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of Energy. It also includes a portion of the funding for the Department of Homeland Security to improve security along our southern border.
As Chairwoman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I made sure the defense portion of the package will deliver the resources our military needs to restore readiness and begin the long-overdue process of modernization. I am proud to report that the bill will also provide our troops with the best equipment and training, along with a 2.4-percent pay raise.
The package also keeps the promise we made to our veterans to ensure they have access to quality health care close to home when the VA’s health care system falls short.
I commend my colleagues in the House for making national security a priority. The bill now goes to the Senate, where I encourage them to move swiftly to approve it and send it to the President’s desk for signing.
Sincerely,
Kay Granger
Member of Congress