Remarks

We are here to discuss the Department of the Air Force’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2027.

Thank you, Chairman Valadao, and thank you to Ranking Member Espaillat, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee for being with us today. What we are considering this morning goes to the very foundation of American governance. This bill is about whether the People’s House – and Congress overall – has the capacity, the security, and the discipline to do its job – and to do it well.

I am pleased to introduce the Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriation bill for the subcommittee’s consideration. I’d like to begin by thanking Ranking Member Espaillat for the respectful and bipartisan process as we’ve worked together to develop the FY27 bill. I’d also like to thank each of our subcommittee Members for being actively engaged in the appropriations process this cycle that has resulted in the bill that we present for consideration this morning.

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and thank you to Ranking Member Meng, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of the subcommittee. From the frontlines of law enforcement to the frontiers of space, the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill covers a full spectrum of priorities that keep our nation safe, competitive, and prepared for the future. This wide policy scope, of course, matters – but clarity of mission and discipline in investments are ultimately what deliver results.

Welcome to the Subcommittee Markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Welcome Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Ranking Member Meng. Not only are we marking 250 impressive years for our country, but we are also marking a remarkable recovery that has been ushered in since President Trump returned to office.

Thank you, Chairman Harris, and thank you to Ranking Member Bishop, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members. As we start today’s full committee markup, I am reminded that America’s farmers and ranchers were already in the fields long before we walked into this hearing room – planting, tending, and carrying the responsibility that keeps this country fed and moving forward.

Thank you, Chairman Cole, and I want to commend your leadership in moving the FY27 appropriations process forward. I also want to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Subcommittee Ranking Member, Mr. Bishop, for their work in getting us to this point. I appreciate the conversations Mr. Bishop and I have had, and while we may not agree on everything in the bill, I know we are closer to agreement than some of today’s debate may show.

Thank you, Chairman Diaz-Balart, and thank you to Ranking Member Frankel, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all our members. We continue full committee markups today with the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs bill. This legislation makes a clear statement about American leadership. We will engage where it matters. We will invest where it counts. And we will demand accountability for every dollar spent. On a world stage where challenges are growing and competitors are threatening the global order, this bill ensures the United States is not passive – it is prepared, it is focused, and it is leading.