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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) released the following statement on the President’s requested budget for the Department of Defense which includes a proposed $74 million in federal funding for the rail yard infrastructure project at Fort Bliss:

"Part of maintaining readiness means investing in vital infrastructure at installations with rapid deployment requirements, like Fort Bliss. I'm proud that after years of advocacy, funding for the rail yard at Fort Bliss is included in the FY 2024 Department of Defense President's budget request," said Congresswoman Escobar. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, this has been a priority of mine, and I look forward to doing the crucial work with my committee to support this authorization and secure appropriations for the requested funding."

Congresswoman Escobar has advocated for years for the construction and funding of a rail yard for Fort Bliss. In August 2022, she hosted the Under Secretary of the Army and native El Pasoan, Gabe Camarillo, on a tour of Fort Bliss and its critical assets. During his visit, Congresswoman Escobar also convened Fort Bliss leadership to discuss the importance of securing funding.

Additionally, Congresswoman Escobar testified before the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies during the subcommittee’s 2021 Member Day hearing. In her remarks, securing funding for the rail yard was one of her two priorities.

Throughout her tenure on the Armed Services Committee Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees all military construction authorizations, Congresswoman Escobar has advocated for construction and modernization funding for the rail yard at Fort Bliss, among other infrastructure priorities. Last year, she was able to secure $15 million in construction funding for a new fire station at the base, base, which would serve the William Beaumont Army Medical Center area. The funding was included in the House Appropriations Consolidated Act, which Congresswoman Escobar was the only member from our region to vote for.