Cunningham Secures over $70 Million in Funding for Important Lowcountry Military Priorities in House-Passed Bill

Press Release

Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham supported House passage of legislation that includes more than $70 million in funding he requested for important Lowcountry military priorities, including $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island. The bill also included $33.3 million towards constructing a new Medical Consolidated and Distribution Center on Joint Base Charleston.

"As one of the two training depots in the country that makes enlisted Marines, and the only depot that makes enlisted female Marines, Parris Island is vital to our national security," said Rep. Joe Cunningham. "It's critical Parris Island has the resources it needs to continue to prepare our best and brightest, and I'm glad to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize that."

Rep. Cunningham played a key role in securing this investment by formally asking the House Appropriations Committee to include both in the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill that passed the House today as a part of the appropriations minibus, H.R. 3055. Cunningham advocated for Parris Island's range modernization project in his March testimony before the House Committee on Armed Services.

The Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill also included:

An amendment introduced by Cunningham that protects Lowcountry military installations by prohibiting funding from being used for reckless base realignment and closure.
An amendment introduced by Cunningham that would ensure future military construction projects meet climate-resiliency standards.
"Supporting our Lowcountry military installations through smart, strategic investments is one of my top priorities in Congress," said Rep. Joe Cunningham. "I'm proud to stand behind a funding bill that recognizes the importance Lowcountry military installations play in ensuring our national defense."

Source