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

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and thank you to Ranking Member Meng, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee for your participation in this process. 

From the frontlines of U.S. law enforcement and economic trade – all the way up to space exploration – the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee oversees agencies consequential to our country.

The Fiscal Year 2026 bill before us today brings savings to taxpayers and protects the constitutional rights of Americans. It rights the wrongs of Biden-era politicization and overreach at the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

Importantly, the bill makes critical investments to confront fentanyl and the deadly scourge of addiction that has stolen far too many lives. We robustly support local law enforcement and their work to protect our communities.

Finally, the legislation appropriately funds the advancement of space exploration at NASA. It also confronts China’s efforts to steal U.S. technology and innovation.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill is a product that reflects making needed decisions to rein in spending while safeguarding our nation and American citizens.

I would like to thank Chairman Rogers for his thoughtful approach to this bill and to the Ranking Member.

I look forward to this bill’s advancement through the appropriations process.

With that, I yield back.