Cole Remarks at FY25 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup

The Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill before us lays out clear priorities: we are elevating the protection and security of our communities and advancing our nation’s leadership in innovation and economic opportunity. All this is done while enhancing government accountability and saving taxpayer dollars.    

How do these investments translate to daily impacts for our constituents? Our streets are made safer for our children and neighbors. From confronting the scourge of fentanyl and supporting our local law enforcement, we combat threats, violence, and crime.

We also make sure localities have other critical safety tools, including access to important weather prediction services. The safeguarding of people and property against natural disasters is a concern felt across the country.

These types of innovative capabilities reflect the ingenuity that has always moved America forward, and this measure further builds on that trajectory. We enable new advancements in research and ensure NASA can continue its work beyond the bounds of Earth. Importantly, we defend American research and development from being stolen and exploited by China.

The bill limits executive overreach, preventing President Biden’s administration from finalizing disruptive regulations that impede citizens and businesses. It provides key protections for the constitutional rights of Americans, including the right to bear arms and freedom of speech. It also halts the Justice Department from weaponizing the justice system for political purposes.

Each investment makes America safer, stronger, and more prepared for the future.

I thank Chairman Rogers for his thoughtful approach, and I strongly support this measure.