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Welcome to the subcommittee markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill. I am pleased to be joined by Subcommittee Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur, Full Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger, and Full Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro.

The Energy and Water bill is critical for our national security, our energy security, and our economic competitiveness. The recommendation totals $57.958 billion, an increase of $1.256 billion above Fiscal Year 2023 and a reduction of $1.963 billion below the President's Budget Request.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for presenting the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill.

I appreciate the work you have done on this bill.

The bill before us delivers responsible appropriations in support of a stronger national defense, economy, and energy sector.

As we face growing threats around the world, this bill reduces spending on unnecessary programs and re-prioritizes funding to areas that strengthen our national security.

As we begin debate on the subcommittee allocations, I would like to set the stage for how we got where we are today.

I'll start with some background. I mentioned yesterday that during the last Congress, more than three trillion dollars was spent outside of the annual appropriations process. Government spending increased, and inflation soared. That is why we have no choice but to reduce spending where we can.

First, I want to thank Dr. Harris for his work on this bill that funds the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.

This bill works to lower costs and grow our economy by supporting America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

During the last Congress, many of the agencies and programs in this bill received significant increases.

I thank the Chairman for coming up with ways to gather some of the funds we already have on-hand and re-direct them toward priorities in this bill.

Thank you, Chairwoman Granger, and I want to commend your leadership in moving the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process forward. I also want to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee, Mr. Bishop, as I appreciate the conversations he and I have had in regards to the bill. While I know we don't agree on everything, we have reached areas of consensus that will keep our Ag communities vital.