Appropriators Conduct Hearings, Gather Testimony
Washington, D.C. – This week, the House Appropriations Committee continued its commitment to accountability and oversight by holding a series of hearings to gather testimony and insights on a range of issues.
State of the Civil Works Program
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee engaged senior Army Corps of Engineers leadership to review trends in the civil works program. The hearing addressed major construction project status, execution obstacles, and related opportunities and challenges. Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann and members evaluated water resources development and program effectiveness for the American taxpayer.
Subcommittee Chairman Fleischmann said, "Few federal programs have such a direct and immediate impact on the American people’s daily lives as the Army Corps of Engineers’ civil works program. The mission underpins America’s economic competitiveness, promotes public safety, and protects trillions of dollars in private investment and economic activity. Congress expects the Corps to address some of the nation’s most complex and high-profile challenges, and the Corps does tremendous work to deliver on this critical mission."
Chairman Fleischmann's full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Federal Investments in Elementary Education
The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee examined policies and resources that impact elementary schools and academic success. Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt and other members expressed concern regarding the lack of data between increased federal investments and improved public education outcomes, reiterating their desire for greater accountability and measurable results to ensure taxpayer dollars are effectively supporting student achievement.
Subcommittee Chairman Aderholt said, "America’s students are struggling. There is no way to sugarcoat this fact. The results from the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress showed student test scores overall are below 2019 levels in all grades and subjects...Let’s be clear, taxpayers are spending more and more on education but getting worse results for our students – we need to pause and assess our efforts. That’s exactly what the Administration is attempting to do."
Subcommittee Chairman Aderholt's full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Examining the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Maintaining public safety, ensuring orderly and secure incarceration, and preparing inmates for reintegration are imperatives of the federal prison system. The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, led by Dean of the House Hal Rogers, convened an oversight hearing, where testimony and questions focused on the work of the Bureau of Prisons, including efforts to recruit and retain qualified correctional officers and actions to implement policy changes ordered by the Trump Administration.
Subcommittee Chairman Rogers said, "The Bureau of Prisons plays a critical role in maintaining public safety, ensuring secure and humane incarceration, and preparing inmates for reintegration into society. At a time when the federal prison system faces mounting challenges - ranging from staffing shortages to aging infrastructure to a growing inmate population - it is imperative that we examine how taxpayer dollars are being used to meet these needs."
Subcommittee Chairman Rogers' full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Defense Member Insights
The strength of America’s defense is vital to our safety and security as a nation. The Defense Subcommittee held a Member Day hearing to allow lawmakers an opportunity to provide input into the annual appropriations process. Witness remarks and submitted testimony covered a range of topics, including Humvees and JLTVs, missile defense systems, procurement, and technology development.
Subcommittee Chairman Calvert said, "As we are all well aware, the world is in chaos. China is increasingly aggressive by the day as it continues to act as a bully in the Indo–Pacific. The war in Ukraine continues. Israel remains under threat from Iranian proxies and continues to recover following a brutal, unprovoked attack by the terrorist group Hamas. Therefore, it is vital that the United States have the capabilities and capacity to respond to those who wish us harm."
Subcommittee Chairman Calvert's full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
American Indian and Alaskan Native Testimony
The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee brought together Tribal members from across the nation to testify on issues and policy priorities for Fiscal Year 2026. During the multi-day hearings, witnesses and lawmakers conveyed a focus on healthcare, law enforcement, and education. Chairman Tom Cole and Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson reiterated their commitment to working towards upholding America’s trust and treaty obligations and ensuring strong investments to address critical needs.
Subcommittee Chairman Simpson said, "I would like to welcome all the distinguished Tribal elders and leaders here today. This year, we had an unprecedented number of requests, requiring us to expand to a third day to accommodate around 100 Tribes and Tribal organizations. These hearings are incredibly important, and we appreciate the opportunity to hear from so many Tribes and organizations across Indian Country. Indian Country has been and will continue to be a bipartisan priority for this subcommittee."
Subcommittee Chairman Simpson's full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
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