Columbia News

Congressman Mark Alford, who represents Missouri’s 4th District and serves as Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, announced his support for legislation that will fund the government through January 30, 2026. The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 passed in the House of Representatives and will provide funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, military construction projects, the Veterans Administration, and the legislative branch for the remainder of the fiscal year.

In a statement on Wednesday, Alford said: “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. After more than 40 days of the Schumer Shutdown—America held hostage, Republicans are leading the charge to finally reopen our government.”

Alford added: “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.”

He continued: "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.”

The bill includes over $5 million in federal investments secured by Alford for Missouri’s Fourth District. These allocations include $1.62 million for a regional maternal health center at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton; $3 million toward an agriculture animal genetics facility at the University of Missouri; and $750,000 for improvements at the Missouri Law Enforcement Center in St. Claire County.

Other provisions address priorities such as protecting taxpayer investment in Fort Leonard Wood hospital by preventing its downgrade to a clinic; increasing biosecurity measures in agriculture against diseases like Avian Influenza; and encouraging improved care standards within Veterans Affairs.

Mark Alford has served as U.S. Representative since 2023 after replacing Vicky Hartzler (source). He was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and resides in Lake Winnebago. Alford earned his BA from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988.