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Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released the following statement in response to Iran’s airborne attack against Israel:

“Israel has the right to defend itself, and I strongly condemn Tehran’s attack on one of our greatest allies. This is a dangerous escalation that further derails the safety and security of the region and the world. Congress must continue to ensure Israel is equipped with the resources and capabilities needed to defend itself in full force against this terror. This is a defining moment - our actions must show the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security. We must work together and lead with strength. Our prayers are with Israel.”

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ICYMI, State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) wrote an op-ed for The Miami Herald, noting how the recently-enacted Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 reestablishes American leadership.

Today’s hearing is on the Navy and Marine Corps fiscal year 2025 budget request for military construction and family housing.

It is a great pleasure to be here today with the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment; Vice Jeffrey Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics, and Lieutenant General Edward Banta, Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics for the U. S. Marine Corps.

Military construction and family housing makes up only about 2 percent of the Defense budget. Yet, it has a tremendous impact on our Sailors, Marines, and their families, who feel the impact of infrastructure investments daily.

Military construction dollars not only account for quality of life and family housing projects, but they also directly impact the recruitment, training and readiness of our forces.

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 2025 hearing for the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.

Before I start, I would like to thank Chairwoman Granger for her years of dedication to this Committee and formally congratulate Chairman Cole. I look forward to continuing to work with both of you.

I will begin by recognizing myself for an opening statement.

I’d like to welcome our witness, the Honorable Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, back to this Subcommittee.

Director Wray, who has nearly 30 years of DOJ and FBI experience dating back to the late 1990s, has served in his current role since August of 2017.

Dear Colleague,

On my first day as Chairman, I am pleased to provide information to begin the Fiscal Year 2025 House appropriations process.

Starting today, Members can begin making programmatic and language requests for federal programs in the Committee’s database: https://AppropriationsSubmissions.house.gov. Requests may include specific funding levels, report language, or bill language.