Gianforte Makes America More Secure, Honors Commitments to Troops and Veterans

Press Release

Montana Congressman Greg Gianforte released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Make America Secure Appropriations Act on Thursday:

"This funding measure reaffirms our commitment to America's national security, our troops, and our veterans," said Gianforte. "The Make America Secure Appropriations Act begins the process of rebuilding our military, enhancing our national security, and taking care of our veterans. Our troops will receive the largest raise they have had in eight years and will get the resources they need to defend our country. This bill supports medical care for our veterans and ensures greater oversight of the VA."

The Make America Secure Appropriations Act begins the process of rebuilding our military. Troops will receive a 2.4 percent pay raise -- the largest in eight years. A 25 percent increase in military infrastructure funding will better prepare and equip our troops to defend our country.

The bill provides $108 million for the UH-1N helicopter program, which provide security at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Cascade County. The act also fully funds the president's request for the ground-based strategic deterrent, a follow-on intercontinental ballistic missile.

The legislation also takes care of the men and women who have served our country in uniform. The Department of Veterans Affairs receives 5 percent more funding than last year, providing its highest level of funding ever. The legislation supports medical care of 7 million VA patients, including $250 million for rural health initiatives.

This bill provides $1.6 billion to secure our southern border with the construction of a physical barrier.

The act fully funds the president's request for Army Corps of Engineer projects in Montana, including the Fort Peck Dam and Lake and the Libby Dam.

The legislation also fully funds the president's budget requests for Montana water projects managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, including the Rocky Boy's-North Central Montana Regional Water System Project and the Fort Peck-Dry Prairie Regional Water System.

Source