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Mr. speaker, I rise today in support of this appropriations package.
I want to start by thanking all of the members and staff who were involved in this process.
Two weeks ago, I talked about the changes house republicans made in how we fund the government.
We made targeted cuts to wasteful programs.
This package is proof of that.
I also mentioned that we increased defense funding – the world around us is becoming more dangerous.
I am proud to say that this bill strengthens our national security and funds critical defense efforts.
These efforts include:
• Countering china,
• Developing next-generation weapons,
• And investing in the quality-of-life of our service members.
Overall, the defense bill is increased by $27 billion above last year.
This package also includes other key priorities:
Good Morning, Mr. Secretary. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for our first budget hearing of the year. We are looking forward to hearing your testimony.
I know the discussion this morning will focus on the facts and figures related to funding for public health, biomedical research, and services for children and families. Those are all important issues, but I want to also raise another important, but difficult topic today. That is the issue of human trafficking.
Tragically, human trafficking is not limited to a few isolated places in border towns or big cities. In my home region of North Alabama, parts of my district have seen nearly a 200 percent increase in the number of unaccompanied migrant children placed with sponsors over the past few years.
Good morning. Welcome.
Today’s hearing is on the quality of life for our enlisted soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and their families.
The five witnesses at the table represent the highest enlisted level of leadership for their respective branches.
I am pleased that we are having this hearing again to start off Fiscal Year 2025. This group’s insight is critical. This hearing is a great opportunity to identify areas where we can be more helpful to our service members and their families.
It is also an opportunity to discuss the important connection between facilities, readiness, and quality of life.
Investing in infrastructure bolsters the military’s ability to train and fight, while also ensuring our service members and their families are taken care of at home, every day. We owe that to them.
And now I would like to recognize Ms. Wasserman Schultz for her opening remarks.
The hearing will come to order.
It is my pleasure to welcome Secretary Jennifer Granholm to the Energy and Water Subcommittee this morning to discuss the fiscal year 2025 budget request for the Department of Energy. It’s always a pleasure to see you, Madam Secretary, and to discuss the important work of the Department of Energy.
The DOE’s fiscal year 2025 budget request is a total program level of approximately $52 billion, an increase of $1.8 billion above the fiscal year 2024 Act. I strongly support many of the programs and activities of the Department of Energy.
