Home
RECENT NEWS
Thank you, Chairman Cole, and I want to commend your leadership as we wrap up the Committee’s work on the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process regarding the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies bill. I also wish to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Wasserman-Schultz, for their engagement on the bill before us. Especially the work with Ms. Wasserman-Schultz, while there are things we cannot agree, there any plenty we can and most importantly we agree on how important this bill is in supporting our service members and veterans.
I would once again like to welcome everyone to our first full committee bill markup for Fiscal Year 2026. In highlighting the values we hold close as a nation, it's only fitting that the appropriations process begins with the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill.
The proposal before us is a testament to caring for those who’ve selflessly worn America’s uniform, their families, and the defenders who follow their path of service. We meet this mission not only in words of gratitude, but in policies that support them.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) underscored the critical need to prioritize military readiness, innovation, and lethality during opening remarks at an oversight hearing with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. Lawmakers emphasized their continued focus on directing FY26 investments to strengthen America’s defense and honor our commitments to America’s brave men and women in uniform.
Today, I welcome the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Honorable Scott Turner. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here to discuss HUD’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. I also want to thank you for your visit to Northwest Arkansas in April. It was great to have you on-the-ground to see the impact of HUD programs in my district.
It is this Committee’s responsibility to complete our work on time. I believe we can achieve this goal, and I am pleased that, under Chairman Cole’s leadership, we have already begun marking up our 12 appropriations bills for FY26.
At the same time, it is our expectation that the Departments under our jurisdiction spend the funds consistently with the way we appropriate them. We appreciate your partnership as you continue to fully implement the funds Congress made available to HUD for FY25.
