Remarks

Thank you, Chairman Womack and Ranking Member Clyburn. Secretary Duffy, welcome back to the THUD Subcommittee. Thank you for appearing before us again, and for your continued leadership and service. I particularly want to commend you for your commitment to modernizing our air traffic control systems. Upgrading aging air traffic control infrastructure is long overdue, and your leadership and urgency on this issue are exactly what is needed.

Thank you, Chairman Womack, Ranking Member Clyburn, Ranking Member DeLauro, and our subcommittee members. Today’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill is about building a stronger America. With a focus on modernizing infrastructure, improving travel, and supporting communities across the nation – this measure responsibly funds critical priorities while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.

Welcome to the subcommittee markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Welcome Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Ranking Member Clyburn.

Thank you Chairman Simpson, and thank you to Ranking Member Pingree, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee for being with us this morning. Today, we continue our Fiscal Year 2027 work with the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.

Mr. Secretary, good morning. Welcome, and thank you for joining us. It is great to see you. I recognize it is somewhat unusual to appear before this Committee to discuss the budget request after the House has already passed a bill with tremendous bipartisan support. I hope today’s conversation includes discussion of that legislation. I am sure the department would always welcome additional funding, but I would simply say that the process will continue to evolve over the coming months, and we welcome the department’s input and perspective as we move forward.

Thank you, Chairman Valadao, and thank you to Ranking Member Espaillat, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the committee. As we move onto our second full committee measure of the day, we are easily reminded of the work before us simply by being in this room. The portraits that surround us on these walls reflect the history of an institution foundational to our Republic. Because no matter how much time passes – or how the nation changes – our core focus remains the same: serving the American people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First, I would like to express my appreciation to you and your leadership staff for their support in keeping the appropriations process moving in a timely manner again this year. Returning the process to regular order has enabled our agencies to plan their budgets and priorities with certainty, making their operations more efficient and effective. Thank you for all of your efforts and the excellent results. I would also like to express my appreciation to Ranking Member DeLauro and Ranking Member Espaillat for their partnership and commitment to moving these bills.