Cole Remarks at Budget Hearing for U.S. Department of Transportation

Thank you, Chairman Womack, and thank you, Ranking Member Clyburn. Welcome Secretary Duffy. It is good to have you back – even if it’s on the other side of this chamber’s dais. Thank you for appearing before us and for your service.

I also want to acknowledge Tim and Sheri Lilley, who are with us today. They are the parents of Flight 5342 first officer Sam Lilley, who lost his life in the tragic mid-air collision at DCA. Tim and Sheri, this entire Committee—and the nation—mourn alongside you and each family whose lives irrevocably changed that night. You have taken the voice of grief and used it to speak for those who no longer can. Your strength and purpose in advocating for aviation safety—particularly given Tim’s experience as a retired helicopter pilot—are an important force for change. Your work honors Sam and the victims in the most powerful way: by helping to save lives and make our skies safer.  

We join you in this mission – and are focused on ensuring the FAA and our other safety agencies have the resources necessary to prevent future tragedies. It is one of the most significant duties we have, and we do not take it lightly. 

As we advance the Fiscal Year 2026 process, effective investments in our nation’s transportation systems are a priority. Secretary Duffy’s team at DOT has already made great efforts to ensure we are directing taxpayer dollars to infrastructure and safety improvements that are worthwhile, taking a fine-toothed comb to thousands of funding decisions made by the previous administration.

This subcommittee will further these efforts as we look to the FY26 bill, making sure we support programs that improve infrastructure while taking a hard look at those programs that are wasteful and duplicative. But make no mistake, this fiscal discipline will not come at the price of safety, and we will continue to ensure safety is an utmost priority in the FY26 THUD bill. In my opinion, there is no greater example of carrying out that mission than at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. 

In our final FY25 appropriation, we provided funding to train an additional 2,000 air traffic controllers. I want to work with you to ensure that we sustain this training surge in Oklahoma City. We have the land, the facilities, and a world-class staff at the Monroney Center to ensure that controllers receive in-person, focused, state-of-the-art training. I also believe the center provides terrific value to the taxpayer. We will continue to support FAA’s modernization efforts and oppose any attempt to decentralize or weaken controller training.

I will also reiterate my steadfast commitment to ensure the 2026 THUD bill prioritizes investments in Tribal and rural areas. Nearly 70 percent of America’s road miles are in rural areas, and about 145,000 miles of roads pass through Tribal lands. These communities face notable challenges and have different needs from urban areas. 

As we begin the appropriations process, I’m resolute in my commitment to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fund the critical safety missions and transportation infrastructure needs of this country.  

Thank you, Chairman Womack. I yield back.