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First, I want to thank Chairman Cole for his work on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill.

This bill is another example of the real progress we are making to reduce overall spending while funding our highest priorities.

The bill before us today refocuses spending on programs that support affordable housing and safe, effective transportation systems.

Instead of giving the Administration more grant funding to spend, this bill gets us back to funding core missions.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. This morning we will consider a bill funding these agencies for Fiscal Year 2024. I am pleased to chair this Subcommittee and provide support for important programs that touch the lives of every American.

I don't pretend this is a perfect bill, no bill in Congress is ever a perfect bill.

I want to thank Chairman Aderholt for presenting the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. I appreciate the work he has done on this bill.

The bill works to responsibly fund programs that help improve the health and lives of the American people.

It also holds agencies accountable when there has been a history of poor performance or controversial activities.

I want to thank Chairman Rogers for presenting the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

I also want to thank the Chairman for funding the important programs in the bill while reducing spending on lower priorities.

I am pleased to say this bill strikes a careful balance.

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will come to order.

Today, the Subcommittee will mark up the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

The fiscal situation facing the Nation requires some very significant and difficult spending reductions. The need for reductions was reflected in the Budget Resolution that passed the House, and in the 302b allocation we were given.

It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. I want to thank my friend—Chairwoman Kay Granger—for giving me this opportunity. Thank you, also, to Ranking Member DeLauro for her commitment to the work of this committee. And to my Ranking Member, Steny Hoyer, thank you for your leadership and friendship through the years. It's a real privilege to work with you.

I want to thank Chairman Simpson for presenting the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill. I appreciate what he has done to take meaningful steps to reduce spending on lower priority programs and direct funding where it is needed most.

The bill prioritizes many important areas, such as preventing and combating wildfires and meeting our commitment to tribes.

In order to do this within the allocation, the bill: