Cole Remarks at FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill Subcommittee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Aderholt, and thank you to Ranking Member DeLauro and to all the members of the subcommittee for being with us today.

Today’s measure funds the operations of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other related agencies. As the former chair of this subcommittee, I am deeply familiar with its work, which touches the lives of all Americans.

The bill provides appropriate and fiscally responsible funding to ensure these departments can continue to perform their core missions while also acknowledging the fiscal realities facing our nation.

The legislation maintains funding for important education programs, such as school safety measures and Pell Grants. It supports substance abuse and mental health programs and delivers funding for effective opioid response and treatment programs. It invests in impactful resources for the National Institutes of Health and also maintains safeguards for certain vulnerable populations, such as Americans with disabilities, our seniors, and veterans.

Importantly, the bill pushes back on the Biden Administration’s out-of-touch progressive policy agenda, preventing this White House from finalizing or implementing controversial rules or executive orders. It also preserves longstanding bipartisan policy provisions protecting the right to life.

Each dollar is directed toward initiatives that truly help our communities, students, and workforce.

I want to thank Chairman Aderholt, Ranking Member DeLauro, and the majority and minority staff for their hard work, and I look forward to consideration of this bill today.

With that, I yield back.