Idaho Congressman Fulcher Votes for House Veterans and Military Construction Spending Bill

U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) voted Thursday in favor of a fiscal year 2027 spending measure covering veterans’ programs and military construction, becoming the first appropriations bill to clear the House for the upcoming budget year.

What the Bill Does

The legislation, known as the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2027, or MilCon-VA, covers a range of priorities for veterans and active-duty military families. Key provisions include full funding for veterans’ healthcare programs and benefits, infrastructure upgrades at VA medical facilities and four national cemeteries, and expanded support for military housing and childcare services.

The bill also includes a provision barring the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans’ information with the FBI without a court order — a measure framed by supporters as a Second Amendment protection. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the VA from purchasing goods or services linked to the Chinese government.

Mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts for veterans are also addressed, in alignment with current White House priorities.

Fulcher’s Statement

“Having the backs of those who serve — and those who have served — our nation must always remain a national priority,” Fulcher said in a statement released after the vote.

Fulcher, who represents Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, has prioritized veterans’ and military issues during his time in Congress. His Idaho district includes several communities with significant ties to active-duty personnel and veterans.

Idaho Delegation Context

Fulcher’s vote comes as Idaho’s congressional delegation has broadly supported veterans’ funding measures this session. Representative Mike Simpson also voted to fully fund veterans’ health care and benefits in a recent House action, reflecting bipartisan consistency on the issue within the state’s delegation.

Idaho’s military community has remained in focus at the federal level in recent months. The Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing deployed to the Middle East earlier this year in support of U.S. military operations, underscoring the stakes of military readiness and support funding for Idaho families.

What’s Next

Having passed the House, the MilCon-VA appropriations bill now moves to the Senate, where it will need approval before being sent to President Trump for his signature. The bill’s passage in the House marks an early step in what is typically a lengthy appropriations process, with the federal government’s new fiscal year beginning October 1.

Fulcher, a fourth-generation Idahoan and former member of the Idaho State Senate, has represented the 1st Congressional District since 2019.