House Passes Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8469) 400-15, Adopting Amendments on PTSD Treatment Access and VA Clinic Preservation, While Rejecting NATO Funding Cut
The House convened and passed H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, by a recorded vote of 400-15. Key amendments adopted included expanding access to stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy for veterans with PTSD and preventing the closure of the Port Charlotte VA Clinic. An amendment to reduce funding for the NATO Security Investment Program was rejected.
The passage of this appropriations bill is significant as it allocates substantial funding for military construction projects, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for fiscal year 2027. The adopted amendments directly impact veterans' healthcare access and local VA services, while the rejected amendment signals continued commitment to NATO infrastructure funding despite some internal debate.
Expanding Access to Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) for PTSD
Amendment No. 29 to H.R. 8469Question before the chamber
Adoption of an amendment to increase and decrease funds to expand SGB access in VA facilities.
The case for
Mr. Perry argued that SGB therapy is a safe, effective, and affordable outpatient procedure, used since the 1920s, proven to alleviate PTSD symptoms with almost no known side effects. He highlighted that it changes the paradigm of treatment from a mental disorder to a treatable injury and is 85 percent effective. He criticized the VA for only offering it in 11 out of 170 facilities and requiring veterans to fail all other traditional treatments first, leading to tragic outcomes like suicide for 20 veterans daily. He asserted a moral duty to act given the VA's bureaucracy and turf wars.
The case against
Ms. Wasserman Schultz argued that Congress should not push for increased use of experimental treatments, noting that the VA and NIH are conducting a multiyear clinical trial on SGB for PTSD and do not yet have sufficient data. She stated that preliminary data shows SGB effects are not clear and its link to PTSD is uncertain. She emphasized that medical decisions should be left to healthcare experts at the VA after the deliberative process plays out, and that the trial is wrapping up in June with data analysis taking about a year.
Disposition
Amendment agreed to. · voice vote
The amendment directing the VA to expand SGB access for PTSD was adopted.
Who is affected
- Veterans with PTSD: Potential for expanded access to a specific treatment (SGB) that proponents claim is highly effective and could reduce suicides, changing the treatment paradigm.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Mandated to expand SGB access across all facilities and make it a covered treatment upon PTSD diagnosis, requiring changes in policy and resource allocation.
NATO Security Investment Program Funding
Amendment No. 50 offered by Mr. Steube to H.R. 8469Question before the chamber
Adoption of an amendment to reduce funding for the NATO Security Investment Program by $481,832,000 and increase military construction funding by the same amount.
The case for
Mr. Steube argued for an "America First" approach, stating that the U.S. should not subsidize the defenses of NATO countries that fail to carry their own weight or undermine U.S. efforts, citing instances where France and Spain denied airspace use during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. He quoted President Trump's statements questioning NATO's value and commitment, and Secretary Rubio's concerns about basing rights. He asserted that alliances are not entitlement programs and that U.S. taxpayer money should prioritize domestic national security, readiness, and warfighters' needs.
The case against
Ms. Wasserman Schultz argued against eliminating funding for the NATO Security Investment Program, noting that the base bill already underfunds it compared to the President's budget request. She stated that these investments are crucial for deterrence in Europe and directly support U.S. troops stationed there, with around one-third of projects at U.S. theater posture locations. She highlighted that the U.S. pays only 15 percent of the cost, while allies pay 85 percent, making it fiscally sound. She warned that cutting funding would shift the burden to U.S. military construction or leave critical infrastructure needs unmet, to the detriment of U.S. military readiness. Mr. Carter of Texas, chair of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, also rose in opposition, stating that President Trump's budget request included funding for the account and these funds support operational readiness and warfighting capabilities.
Disposition
Amendment rejected. · recorded vote
The amendment to cut NATO Security Investment Program funding failed.
for_votes: "80", against_votes: "333", abstentions: null
Who is affected
- U.S. military personnel stationed in Europe: Continued support for infrastructure investments that directly or indirectly benefit U.S. troops and their operational readiness in the region.
- NATO member countries: Continued U.S. contribution to shared defense infrastructure projects, maintaining alliance commitments and burden-sharing arrangements.
- American taxpayers: Continued investment in NATO infrastructure, with proponents arguing it's a cost-effective way to support U.S. troops abroad due to allied contributions, while opponents argue it's an undue burden.
Preventing Closure of Port Charlotte VA Clinic
Amendment No. 49 offered by Mr. Steube to H.R. 8469Question before the chamber
Adoption of an amendment to prohibit funds from being used to close the Port Charlotte VA Clinic.
The case for
Mr. Steube stated the amendment is simple, prohibiting funds from being used to close the Port Charlotte VA Clinic, based on concerns from constituents and veterans in Charlotte County. He clarified it would not delay construction on a new clinic in North Port.
The case against
Ms. Wasserman Schultz claimed time in opposition but stated she was not opposed to the amendment, underscoring the importance of preserving healthcare access for veterans across Florida and looking forward to working with Mr. Steube and the VA to ensure continued access.
Disposition
Amendment agreed to. · voice vote
The amendment prohibiting the closure of the Port Charlotte VA Clinic was adopted.
Who is affected
- Veterans in Port Charlotte, Florida: Continued access to local VA healthcare services, preventing potential disruption or increased travel burden for care.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Restricted from using appropriated funds to close the specific clinic, potentially influencing future facility planning in the region.
House Passes FY2027 MILCON-VA Appropriations Bill
highThe House of Representatives passed H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, by a recorded vote of 400-15. This action finalizes the House's funding allocations for military construction, veterans' healthcare, and other related agencies for the upcoming fiscal year.
Amendment Adopted to Expand PTSD Treatment Access for Veterans
highAn amendment offered by Mr. Perry was agreed to, increasing and decreasing funds in the medical services account to direct the VA Secretary to expand access to stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy for veterans upon PTSD diagnosis, making it a covered treatment in every VA facility. Proponents highlighted its effectiveness and the urgent need to address veteran suicides.
Amendment Adopted to Prevent Port Charlotte VA Clinic Closure
mediumAn amendment offered by Mr. Steube was agreed to, prohibiting the use of funds made available by the Act to close the Port Charlotte VA Clinic in Port Charlotte, Florida. This amendment was supported by both the sponsor and the opposition manager, aiming to preserve local veteran healthcare access.
Amendment to Cut NATO Security Investment Program Funding Rejected
highAn amendment offered by Mr. Steube to reduce funding for the NATO Security Investment Program by $481,832,000 and redirect it to military construction was rejected by a recorded vote of 80-333. The debate centered on the U.S. burden in NATO versus domestic infrastructure needs, with opponents arguing against undermining alliances and U.S. troop support in Europe.