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Good afternoon. The subcommittee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time. Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the first Fiscal Year 2026 Budget hearing for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. I will begin by recognizing myself for an opening statement.
Thank you, Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum. This hearing comes at a pivotal moment for our national security, as we face an increasingly complex and volatile global landscape. Among the challenges before us, none looms larger than the rising threat posed by China. With its rapid military modernization, expanding global influence, and assertive posture in the Indo-Pacific, China presents a strategic challenge that demands our full attention and a robust response.
Thank you, Chairman Harris and Ranking Member Bishop, and thank you, Madam Secretary, for being with us today. For rural districts like the one I represent in southwest Oklahoma, agriculture is not just a line on a ledger, it’s a reflection of our past, present, and future. American agriculture feeds us, but it also roots families, economies, and the nation’s well-being. You have seen these principles firsthand as you have traveled the country meeting with farmers and ranchers. These hardworking men and women are a testament to resilience and the work it takes to ensure a safe and abundant food supply. I know your recent visit to Oklahoma was a powerful reminder of that, and we hope to welcome you back to the Sooner State soon.
