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The Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will come to order.

Today, the Subcommittee will mark up the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

The fiscal situation facing the Nation requires some very significant and difficult spending reductions. The need for reductions was reflected in the Budget Resolution that passed the House, and in the 302b allocation we were given.

Accordingly, this Subcommittee produced a strong bill that right-sizes agencies and programs. We did this by scaling back many unsustainable spending levels to Fiscal Year 2022 levels – or lower. Despite the limited allocation, we are prioritizing the fight against fentanyl and efforts to counter China – including innovation and manufacturing initiatives, space exploration, and scientific research.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. This morning we will consider a bill funding these agencies for Fiscal Year 2024. I am pleased to chair this Subcommittee and provide support for important programs that touch the lives of every American.

I don't pretend this is a perfect bill, no bill in Congress is ever a perfect bill.

But we live in difficult times, our nation remains mired in high inflation, which has only been worsened by the massive infusion of government spending, both during and immediately after the COVID pandemic.