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4d ago

Senate Begins Debate on Military Construction and VA Funding as Democrats Demand Rescission Safeguards

Democrats are withholding support for further procedural votes until Republicans provide written assurances against future rescissions.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen listens to a fellow lawmaker speak during a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting on July 10.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought talks to reporters on July 15.
Sen. Angus King walks to a vote on June 17.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks during a press conference on July 9.

Overview

  • The Senate kicked off floor debate on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill after a 90-8 procedural vote.
  • The measure would fund $153.5 billion, including $342 million for rural health care, $3.5 billion for VA caregivers, and $3.5 billion for homeless veterans housing.
  • Democrats remain split over offering additional procedural votes without GOP guarantees following last week’s $9 billion rescissions of public broadcasting and foreign aid funds.
  • Senator Jeff Merkley plans to introduce an amendment to bar future rescissions under the Impoundment Control Act.
  • Majority Leader John Thune has vowed to advance all 12 fiscal 2026 appropriations bills under regular order, each requiring 60 votes to avert a Sept. 30 government shutdown.