Rep. Sykes Votes Against MilConVA Appropriations Bill
Bill Underfunds VA Programs and Health Care Services for Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted against the FY26 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA) Appropriations bill, which underfunds critical Veterans Affairs (VA) programs in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District and restricts health care services for VA patients. Now that the bill has passed the House, it heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“Funding for veterans’ education, job opportunities, housing, and food assistance – all hollowed out if this bill passes,” said Rep. Sykes. “The GOP’s 2026 funding bills are set to shortchange American heroes to fund kickbacks for billionaires. I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that harms veterans and servicemembers”
This bill also underfunds VA services and programs $1.4 billion below the president’s budget request. This could lead to less funding for VA facilities in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, including:
- Akron VA Clinic (Akron)
- Akron West VA Clinic (Akron)
- Canton VA Clinic (Canton)
- Stark County Mobile Vet Center (Canton)
- Stark County Vet Center (Canton)
- Summit County VA Clinic (Akron)
The MilConVA bill underfunds military construction by $904 million, shortchanging the Department of Defense’s infrastructure needs that are vital to military readiness, recruitment, and retention. These cuts could impact projects across Ohio that benefit active duty servicemembers.
If this version of the MilConVA bill were to become law, it would prohibit VA from providing abortion care or counseling. This has the potential to make abortion care far more difficult to obtain in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, potentially compounding the effects of proposed provisions from the reconciliation bill that would cut Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.