Cole Remarks at FY26 Homeland Security Bill Full Committee Markup

With our agriculture priorities advanced, we now turn to our Homeland Security bill to ensure a comprehensive approach to protecting Americans. To start, I want to thank Chairman Amodei and Ranking Member Underwood for their attention and work. Everyone in this room understands that the safety of our citizens is paramount. 

We do this through strong vigilance, action, and empowering our frontline law enforcement agents. The work of the Department of Homeland Security is fundamental to those efforts. Their mission is more vital than ever. Under new White House leadership, we've seen a critical shift toward restoring safety and security — including a historic turnaround at our southern border — yet we continue to face the consequences of dangerous threats emboldened by the previous administration’s weakness.

The alarming rise of antisemitic assassinations, rioters attacking federal agents, and extremist risks shows the evolving threat environment at our doorstep. It’s why we are advancing critical resources to ensure DHS has the tools to protect the homeland, enforce the law, strengthen border security – and enhance preparedness for everything from violent threats to natural disasters. 

This bill delivers just that and upholds the America first agenda through supporting: 

• Border patrol and enforcement agents;
• Detention and deportation efforts;
• Cutting-edge technology to detect illicit activity; and
• Coast guard investments to counter Communist China’s aggression in the maritime sphere. 

From our communities to cybersecurity, we are implementing the most effective safeguards at every level and supporting our brave agents on the front line. I want to thank the staff on the subcommittee, both the majority and minority, for their hard work on the product before us. 

I yield back the balance of my time.