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Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to thank Chairwoman Delauro and Ranking Member Cole for their work on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill that the Committee is considering today.
The bill continues to fund important programs that improve public health, and it sustains research into diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers disease. Funds are also included to defend the nation against biological threats.
Investments in education are essential for our country to remain competitive with the rest of the world, and I appreciate the funding this bill provides for this purpose.
I also want to thank Chairwoman Delauro and Chairwoman Lowey for including long‑standing language that protects life.
However, there are several provisions that raise concern, and unfortunately, these will make it impossible for me to support the bill in its current form.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to begin by thanking Chairwoman Kaptur and Ranking Member Simpson for their leadership on the Energy and Water Subcommittee.
I appreciate that the bill continues significant funding for our nation's water resources infrastructure. Almost every Congressional district across the country benefits in some way from the important work of the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.
These agencies are responsible for projects that protect the public and property from floods and hurricanes.
At the same time, improvements that are made to ports and waterways generate and sustain millions of jobs.
Many of these projects are also a significant source of drinking water and irrigation water for our communities and farmers.
I want to thank Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Herrera-Beutler for the work they have done to address critical issues that affect the Congress.
This bill recognizes the important, bipartisan work of the House Select Committee on Modernization and takes steps to make Congress more effective, efficient, and transparent on behalf of the American people.
This bill funds priorities of the Architect of the Capitol in order to support the Capitol's aging infrastructure and promote the safety and health of employees and visitors.
The men and women of the Capitol Police demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism, and this bill recognizes their service and sacrifice by ensuring they have the resources they need to continue keeping the complex safe.
Unfortunately, I have concerns that will prevent me from supporting this bill in its current form.
I want to thank Chair McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce for the work they've done on many important programs supported by the Interior bill.
This bill funds priorities and concerns of Members on both sides of the aisle and does many good things for the preservation of our natural resources.
In addition, the bill helps local communities across the country with education and safety needs, particularly in Indian country.
Even though the bill funds many shared priorities, there are several policy items that raise concern.
The bill eliminates several long-standing, common-sense provisions that have had bipartisan support for many years.
Instead, the bill adds many new poison pill riders and directives that would limit domestic energy and mineral production and prevent the Administration from reducing regulatory burdens.
