Rep. Calvert Votes for Bill that Includes More than $225 Million for March Air Reserve Base Upgrades and Fully Funds Veterans Healthcare

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (219 to 211) of the House of Representatives to approve the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. The bill contains funding supported by Rep. Calvert that will provide more than $225 million for construction projects at March Air Reserve Base (ARB) in preparation for the basing of KC-46A tankers at the installation.

“After fighting to have the next generation of air tankers based at March ARB, I’m leading the way to ensure our Riverside County installation has the necessary upgrades to support these vital aircraft,” said Rep. Calvert. “The investment of more than $225 million at March ARB is a clear indication that our region will continue to play an integral role in our national security. As our defense priorities shift to reflect a rising China, we must continue to upgrade the capabilities of our West Coast military installations, which is why I’m also pleased to see $42 million included for enhancements at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.”

The bill includes funding for the following military construction projects requested by Rep. Calvert:

March ARB KC-46 Two Bay Maintenance/Fuel Hanger ($201 million): The funding will be used to construct an aircraft hangar at the installation to simultaneously accommodate the general maintenance, wash operations, and fuel system maintenance of two KC-46A aircraft.

March ARB KC-46 Simulator Facility ($8.5 million): The funding will be used to construct a Weapons System Trainer facility to enable the training of aircrews and support personnel for the operation of KC-46A aircraft.

March ARB KC-46 Fuselage Training Facility ($17 million): The funding will be used to construct a Fuselage Training Simulator Facility to support the simulator and associated pallet staging to enable the training of aircrews and support personnel for the operation of KC-46A aircraft.

Twentynine Palms Communications Towers ($42.1 million): The funding will be used to construct four new and repair seven existing range communication towers to provide enhanced range communications.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) FUNDING

“I have made it clear that as we work to address America’s fiscal crisis, we will not waiver in our commitments to our veterans. I am proud to vote for a bill that fully funds our VA healthcare and toxic exposure programs. I will always protect our veterans and the benefits they have earned.”

The bill provides $299 billion for the VA, which when combined with amounts provided in the Fiscal Responsibility Act is equal to the FY24 Budget Request and more than $16 billion above the FY23 enacted level.

The bill also provides for a full year funding level of $138 billion for veterans’ medical care, matching the FY24 Budget Request, and fully funds veterans’ health care and toxic exposure-related needs for FY24.

The bill also includes $88.6 million to complete the southern expansion of the Arlington National Cemetery.