Politics in Action: H.R. 4974

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 4974 – Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017

(Rep. Rogers, R-KY)

This Statement of Administration Policy provides views on H.R. 4974, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year (FY) ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes.

The Administration welcomes the bill's investments in military infrastructure, housing, and services for men and women in our Armed Forces and their families.  In addition, the Administration appreciates the Committee's commitment to fund the benefits and services our veterans have earned, and provide the requested advanced appropriations.  However, the bill does not fully fund the FY 2017 Budget request for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and includes objectionable restrictions on performance awards for VA Senior Executive Service civil servants.  In addition, the Administration strongly objects to the bill's unwarranted restrictions on the use of funds to construct, renovate, or expand any facility in the United States to house individuals held in the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, as these restrictions further impede the Executive Branch's efforts to responsibly close the facility.

In October 2015, the President worked with congressional leaders from both parties to secure the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA), which partially reversed harmful sequestration cuts slated for FY 2017.  By providing fully-paid-for equal dollar increases for defense and non-defense spending, the BBA allows for investments in FY 2017 that create jobs, support middle-class families, contribute to long-term growth, and safeguard national security.  The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to enact appropriations that are consistent with that agreement, and fully support economic growth, opportunity, and our national security priorities.  However, the Administration strongly objects to the inclusion of problematic ideological provisions that are beyond the scope of funding legislation.  If the final bill that is presented to the President includes such provisions, the President's senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill. 

Click here to review the complete statement.  

Source: Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget