Cole Remarks at FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and thank you to Ranking Member Meng, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill sets firm priorities: 
•    Strengthening the safety of our communities; 
•    Driving American leadership in science and innovation; 
•    And expanding opportunity in our economy.

These objectives are achieved while enforcing higher standards of government accountability and protecting hardworking taxpayers. Each investment delivers real benefits to our nation and constituents. Our streets are made safer for American families and children. We confront fentanyl and the deadly scourge of addiction that has stolen far too many lives, a priority of this conference and President Trump. We also ensure robust support for local law enforcement and their work to protect our communities.

This bill fuels American ingenuity, investing in NASA to push the boundaries of space exploration. Just as critically, it takes a firm stand against Communist China’s efforts to steal U.S. technology—defending our innovation, protecting our enterprise, and securing America’s leadership on the world stage. We meet these missions while securing savings to taxpayers and protecting the constitutional rights of Americans. We reiterate President Trump’s efforts to right-size the federal bureaucracy and reverse the federal weaponization of the last administration. By confronting politicization and overreach at the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, we reaffirm accountability and the rule of law.

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. With that, I yield back.