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Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I consume. Last year, Democrats initiated the longest full government shutdown in U.S. history. It severely impacted families, agencies, personnel, and services across the nation. What should have been a lesson in how not to treat hardworking Americans has instead become routine for Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats. 

Good morning. Thank you to our witnesses who have come to testify before us today on the topic of Advancing Permanency in Child Welfare in the United States.  Adoption has long played an important role in building families and providing children with safe, stable homes. Today, adoption remains a critical part of our child welfare system, but the data also shows that there is still significant need and opportunity for improvement.

Good morning and welcome to the Homeland Security Subcommittee’s “Member Day” hearing.  This morning, we will hear from Members about a variety of topics that fall within the subcommittee’s jurisdiction. Thank you to each of our colleagues for taking time out of your busy schedules to discuss the projects and programs within the Homeland Security bill that are important to your districts and communities. Your input is very important.

The General Services Administration, or GSA, maintains, builds, leases, and operates more than 360 million square feet of space that houses thousands of federal employees in 2,200 communities across the country. In addition, our constituents visit GSA managed properties every day. Everyone - from veterans accessing their benefits, disaster victims seeking assistance, to plaintiffs and defendants attending court - enter a GSA property.

Welcome to this afternoon’s Fiscal Year 2027 Member Day hearing for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. I want to welcome my colleagues and thank them for testifying on the priorities that are important to them.

Good afternoon. I want to thank all of you for coming to today’s hearing to receive testimony from our colleagues. I look forward to hearing more about the projects, programs and issues in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that are important to your district and to communities across the country.