TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks on Military Funding, Military Promotions, Readiness and More During Markup of Defense FY27 Funding Bill

This press release from Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) was published on 2026-06-25 and titled "TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks on Military Funding, Military Promotions, Readiness and More During Markup of D".

TRANSCRIPT: Congresswoman Escobar Speaks on Military Funding, Military Promotions, Readiness and More During Markup of Defense FY27 Funding Bill

Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee did their mark up of the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Bill. As a member of the committee, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) secured $45 million for El Paso, $41.1 million for Texas, and introduced four amendments, two of which were accepted and two that were rejected by Republicans. Below is a summary of her wins for El Paso, as well as a transcript and corresponding videos. Links to the videos are located in the highlighted section title. During the debate of this legislation, Congresswoman Escobar provided opening remarks and introduced the following amendments: Amendment on Fort Bliss Data Center: Congresswoman Escobar secured language in the legislation to direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct an assessment and brief Congress on implications to communities in proximity to Department of Defense data center projects, including the proposed Fort Bliss data center, before the initiation of physical on-site construction of a data center. The assessment and briefing would include energy and grid impacts; water resource and environmental impacts; sitting and proximity impact standards; impacts to physical security and mission assurance; cumulative risk and community impacts; community consultation and local government engagement; and any other matters that may require legislative or resourcing consideration. It was accepted by Republicans. Amendment on Feasibility of DoD Quality of Life Program: Congresswoman Escobar submitted an amendment that would direct DoD to assess the feasibility of establishing a Quality-of-Life Grant Program within the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC). The concept would support community investments (e.g., community centers, public recreation facilities, outdoor parks and activity areas, and similar shared-use civilian infrastructure) that improve quality-of-life outcomes for military families and defense communities. It was accepted by Republicans. Amendment on Impact of Immigration Detention Facilities on Military Readiness: Congresswoman Escobar offered an amendment to direct DoD to provide a report on the impact immigration detention facilities such as Camp East Montana have on military installations. Republicans rejected this amendment. Amendment on use of WEXMAC for immigration purposes - Congresswoman Escobar offered an amendment to prohibit DoD from using the Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC) contracting vehicle for immigration purposes (i.e., building and operating Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss). A recent Government Accountability Office report documented major planning failures, financial waste, and operational hazards caused by repurposing this military tool for a domestic civilian mission. Her amendment was rejected by Republicans. Additionally, Congresswoman Escobar spoke on the following amendment by Rep. Lois Frankel: Amendment on Military Promotions - Congresswoman Escobar spoke on an amendment that was offered by Representative Lois Frankel to slash the Defense Secretary’s traveling budget until he explained why he removed military officers from promotions that have been previously determined by the Promotion Selection Board to be chosen for promotion to the rank of general officer. Republicans rejected this amendment. $45 Million for El Paso Congresswoman Escobar secured $10 million to accelerate the development and production of low cost advanced missile technology systems to field low-cost interceptors for small-UAS interceptors; $10 million to establish a Rapid Response Naval Manufacturing Center to address critical parts shortages facing the maritime industrial base; $10 million to help establish scalable, domestic production of critical UAS propulsion components to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains; $10 million to develop containerized solutions powered by digital architecture to deliver fast, on site manufacturing in contested environments for organizations like the 1st Armored Division; and $5 million to help develop a digital twin capability to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable hypersonic weapons. $41.1 Million for Texas Soldier Mental Resilience: She helped secure $1.1 million to expand a peer-led training initiative that strengthens unit readiness by equipping soldiers to identify stress, reduce stigma, and intervene early. The Fort Bliss pilot has helped hundreds of soldiers. Expeditionary Construction Scale Additive Manufacturing Capabilities : She helped secure $10 million to help develop expeditionary 3D printing systems. Previously, Congresswoman Escobar helped secure funding for the use of this technology to construct a 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss. Outdoor Recreation and Education Activities: She helped secure $10 million to expand its programming that connects service members, veterans, and military families to nature-based recreation and wellness activities. Combat Casualty Care Research: She helped secure $20 million to su