Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04)—the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee—celebrated the House of Representatives passing the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.

This legislation will end the Schumer Shutdown by funding the government through January 30, 2026, while funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture, military construction, the Veterans Administration, and the legislative branch for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks in support of reopening the government here or by clicking the image above.

“Our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end. With their reckless shutdown, Democrats inflicted immeasurable harm on everyday Americans from veterans to small business owners to farmers,” said Congressman Alford. “After more than 40 days of the Schumer Shutdown—America held hostage, Republicans are leading the charge to finally reopen our government. 

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m glad this bill also makes progress on passing full-year funding bills that include critical wins for Missouri’s fourth district.

"The historically long and grueling Schumer Shutdown made one thing clear: Democrats were willing to let Americans suffer for political gain. But today, Republicans are taking the lead to govern the right way: putting America First, families first, and our future first. The best days for our great nation are still ahead.”

Watch a video message from Congressman Alford about the devastating Schumer Shutdown, reopening the government, and the path ahead here or by clicking the image above.

Background:

The bill contains more than $5 million in federal investments for the Fourth District, which Congressman Alford secured through his work on the Appropriations Committee and will now be signed into law, including:

• $1,622,500 for a regional maternal health center at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton
• $3 million for an agriculture animal genetics facility at the University of Missouri
• $750,000 for the sally port at the Missouri Law Enforcement Center in St. Claire County

The legislation also contains other priorities critical to Missouri’s fourth district, including:

• A provision to protect taxpayers' half a billion-dollar investment in the new Fort Leonard Wood hospital, preventing it from being downgraded to a clinic and ensuring it will be able to serve our troops and the surrounding communities for years to come.
• Additional funding for programs to increase biosecurity measures in agriculture to fight diseases like Avian Influenza and pests like the New World Screwworm.
• Language encouraging the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve detection of esophageal cancer, treatment for sleep disorders, and fair treatment of dialysis services.
  

###