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Madam Chair, I thank you for bringing forward the Fiscal Year 2022 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill today.

I also want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Simpson, for his leadership on this subcommittee.

As a result of your work, this bill addresses the priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle and does many good things for the American people.

In particular, I appreciate that the bill continues significant funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for navigation and flood control projects that are so important to our economy and public safety.

Unfortunately, just like with the other bills the committee has considered, this bill is based on a funding framework that lacks bipartisan support.

I am also concerned that the funding decisions in this bill could leave us vulnerable to countries that do not have our best interests at heart.

I want to thank the chair for presenting the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill.

Chair DeLauro unveils this bill today as the leader of our full committee and the subcommittee.

I know she has worked extremely hard to have the opportunity to hold both of these positions, and I have great respect for her dedication to these issues.

I also want to thank Mr. Cole, who serves as both the vice ranking member of the full committee and the ranking member of this subcommittee.

I appreciate Tom's ability to find common ground when it is necessary, but also to clearly highlight when the parties disagree.

I need to begin my remarks today by noting concerns that he and I share about this year's Labor-HHS bill.

This bill, like several other bills we have seen brought before this committee, is based on a topline funding level that only the majority party has agreed to.