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Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4365, the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill, which is the result of months of hearings, briefings, and engagements by all Members of the Subcommittee.

To provide for our strong national defense, this bill recommends $826.45 billion for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, which is $27.8 billion above the Fiscal Year 2023 enacted level.

I want to begin by thanking the Chairwoman of the Full Committee, Ms. Granger, for her leadership and her tireless efforts to bring these Appropriations bills to the floor.

I also want to thank the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, my good friend Mr. Cuellar, who has worked with us in good faith on the bill, despite some disagreements on policy.

And lastly, I have enjoyed my time sitting next to the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, the Gentlelady from Connecticut, not once, but twice in the last few days.

Madam Chairwoman, I am proud to speak on the Fiscal Year 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill for floor consideration today.

If you've read the bill, you know it is very straightforward.

If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you.

If you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then frankly, you will not like this bill.

I am extremely proud of this bill, which was carefully and thoughtfully developed over many months.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I rise today to bring before the House H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bill.

The Defense Subcommittee has held hearings, classified briefings, and had many engagements with senior defense officials to shape our recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill.

To maintain our strong national defense, this bill provides $826.45 billion for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. This is $286 million above the President's request and $27.8 billion above the Fiscal Year 2023 enacted level.