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Washington, D.C. – Today, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack (R-AR) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) emphasized the importance of transportation safety, aviation modernization, and infrastructure development during opening remarks at a budget hearing with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy.
Today, we welcome testimony from the Honorable Sean Duffy, Secretary of the Department of Transportation on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Thank you, Secretary Duffy, for appearing before us today. It’s great to see you. For those that don’t know, Sean and I were classmates together back in 2010, and I’d like to think we’d surprise ourselves in knowing we’d be in these seats 15 years later.
The Department of Transportation is requesting $26.7 billion in discretionary budget authority for Fiscal Year 2026. This request includes a $1.2 billion increase for air traffic modernization and operations, $596 million to ramp up our port and shipyard infrastructure, a $400 million boost for freight rail safety, and $770 million for multimodal freight expansion.
I would like to thank both Judge Saint Eve and Judge Conrad for being here today and for their service to our nation. The two of you combined represent over 60 years of federal civil service, and we are grateful for your time. A special congratulations to you, Judge Conrad, on your recent retirement from District Court work in North Carolina.
As a former prosecutor, I know the American judicial system is the gold-standard for fair, equal, and impartial treatment under the law. It is a critical part of our democracy and has been since our nation’s founding almost 250 years ago. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that our partner branches of government have the tools they need to execute the duties of their office.
Good morning. It is my pleasure to begin today’s hearing by welcoming our new Secretary of Health and Human Services to the House Appropriations Committee. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Confirmed to his Cabinet post just three months ago, he has hit the ground running with the aim of implementing the President’s goal to Make America Healthy Again. Mr. Secretary, we are pleased to have you with us here today.
Secretary Kennedy brings fresh eyes and a new perspective on public health and the state of the health care system in America – what is working and what is not working.
Thank you, Chairman Womack, and thank you, Ranking Member Clyburn. Welcome Secretary Duffy. It is good to have you back – even if it’s on the other side of this chamber’s dais. Thank you for appearing before us and for your service.
I also want to acknowledge Tim and Sheri Lilley, who are with us today. They are the parents of Flight 5342 first officer Sam Lilley, who lost his life in the tragic mid-air collision at DCA. Tim and Sheri, this entire Committee—and the nation—mourn alongside you and each family whose lives irrevocably changed that night. You have taken the voice of grief and used it to speak for those who no longer can. Your strength and purpose in advocating for aviation safety—particularly given Tim’s experience as a retired helicopter pilot—are an important force for change. Your work honors Sam and the victims in the most powerful way: by helping to save lives and make our skies safer.
Washington, D.C. – This week, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY), Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), and other appropriators underscored the vital role of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in safeguarding national security and combating violent crime during an oversight hearing with Director Kash Patel. The discussion centered on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request and ongoing threats from drug trafficking, cybercrime, and terrorism.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), and other members underscored the vital role of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities during an oversight hearing with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The discussion centered on FY26 budget recommendations and ongoing collaboration between Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure greater prosperity, opportunity, and long-term stability for the nation’s agricultural sector.
Washington, D.C. – This week, the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee held hearings with leadership from the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Army to discuss military readiness, priorities, and the strategic posture forward. With evolving threats and emerging domains, lawmakers emphasized the importance of a unified defense approach that aligns capabilities across land, air, and space to deter aggression, respond rapidly, and maintain lethality.
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.
