The U.S. Senate couldn’t pass a budget Thursday night, but Rep. Doug Lamborn was tooting his own horn for the amount of military spending he got into the House version.

And he got an attaboy from House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry of Texas, according to a press release from Lamborn’s office.

“I commend Doug for his unwavering commitment to our military and their families,” stated Thornberry. “He believes protecting our country is a top priority and works to ensure those in uniform get what they need to do their job. He has built strong relationships on the House Armed Services Committee and is a respected voice in Congress for Colorado’s Fifth District.

“During a time of increased global security threats, Rep. Lamborn’s priority is our men and women in uniform. He is a senior member on HASC, and actively works to keep our nation safe. I applaud him for voting to fund our defense budget, providing invaluable resources needed to defend our country.”

Lamborn, of course, faces a tough test in this year’s Republican primary. State Sen. Owen Hill and former U.S. Senate candidate Darryl Glenn are challenging Lamborn.

The 5th Congressional District has more than 38,000 active duty military, 16,000 Department of Defense civilians and thousands of Reservists and Guardsmen, Lamborn’s office said. Hill and Glenn both attended the Air Force Academy in El Paso County, and Glenn is a native and former El Paso County commissioner.

“Our uniformed men and women should not have to worry about whether they will get paid or not as they continue to selflessly put their lives on the line for our country,” Lamborn said. “That’s in addition to the critical role the defense industry and their many employees play in our national security, including direct support to many critical local missions.”

Lamborn’s office cited full funding for the National Space Defense Center at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.

“While I would have crafted the budget deal differently, there were many significant victories worthy of my support,” Lamborn stated. “I was proud to support President Trump in his promise to rebuild America’s military. It ensures that for the first time in two-years our military will receive the resources they need, something everyone should support. This deal begins to reverse the years of funding cuts that has left our troops under-trained and under-equipped. It should also end the destructive cycle of spending gaps and stopgap bills that hinder military readiness.”

Lamborn said the House bill includes $4 billion to improve care for veterans by reduce the backlog at VA health centers.

The Republican and Trump ally called it a “significant victory” to dismantle Obamacare through the budget process (after Republicans couldn’t swing the votes for a repeal-and-replace promise last year).

Lamborn said the budget repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board, calling the boards “death panels,” reviving a term used by former vice presidential pick Sarah Palin and which Politifact dubbed “The Lie of the Year” in 2009.

Lamborn said he boards “would have been devastating for patients, affecting their access to quality care and innovative therapies. I’m pleased this portion of Obamacare will finally be repealed.”