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Thank you, Chairman Fleischmann, Ranking Member Kaptur, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our committee members.

Today’s measure is a cornerstone of American energy dominance and security. 

We need affordable, reliable, and secure power for the nation – and the bill before us delivers it. 

To drive down energy costs, restore American energy independence, and support U.S. jobs, we are advancing policies and investments that unleash the full potential of American-made energy.

This marks a critical shift. 

The days of Biden-era red tape and growing reliance on foreign supply are over. In its place: a clear, America first energy strategy is being implemented—which is further reflected in this FY26 measure. 

It makes historic investments to secure our energy systems and reduce reliance on foreign materials.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present to the Committee the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

I’d like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their leadership throughout this process, and my good friend and Ranking Member of the Energy and Water subcommittee, Marcy Kaptur, for her partnership. 

I’d also like to extend my appreciation to all my colleagues for their valuable input in helping to shape this bill.

The FY26 Energy and Water bill demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security, unleashing American energy dominance, and advancing our economic competitiveness—in a fiscally responsible manner. The recommendation totals $57.3 billion, a decrease of $766 million below fiscal year 2025. 

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act will be debated on the House floor. The legislation directly invests in America’s military superiority, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protects from threats at America’s border, and takes care of our troops and their families.
 
In a just recently released op-ed, House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA)advocates for transformative defense spending focused on accelerating innovation and reshaping Pentagon culture. As the House prepares to vote on the FY26 Defense Appropriations bill, the Chairman highlights several key efforts to disrupt outdated military acquisition practices and bolster U.S. defense capabilities.

Thank you, Chairman Womack, and thank you to Ranking Member Clyburn, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members. 

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development measure before the subcommittee today responsibly funds our most critical transportation and housing needs while demonstrating fiscal responsibility. 

This measure ensures that our airways, railways and roads are safe and improves reliability for the traveling public and freight haulers. Substantial funding allocated for highways through the Highway Trust Fund also delivers a meaningful increase that strengthens our core infrastructure.

Thank you, Chairman Cole, for your remarks on this bill and for your leadership. This Committee is fulfilling its constitutional duty thanks to your dedication.

And thank you, Ranking Member DeLauro, for your leadership on this committee. I trust that the day is not far off when we will work together to negotiate these bills in good faith with the Senate and the White House so that we avoid a catastrophic shutdown or long-term CR. 

Ranking Member Clyburn, thank you for your honest and thoughtful engagement on the subcommittee, and for your friendship.  

I would like to thank the subcommittee staff for their work on this bill. Doug Disrud, Avery Pierson, Andrew Giacini, Nathan Silverstein, and Sofie Myers with the majority; and Christina Monroe, Jackie Kilroy, and Nora Faye with the minority.