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