Cole Remarks at FY26 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 safeguarding American taxpayer dollars.

The legislation maintains funding for important education programs, such as TRIO and GEAR UP and Pell Grants. It supports rural hospitals, public health programs, and robust funding for biomedical research. It invests in the nation’s biodefense infrastructure and also maintains safeguards for vulnerable populations, such as Americans with disabilities and seniors. Importantly, the bill supports the Trump Administration’s efforts to eliminate out-of-touch progressive policies, ends the weaponization of government, preserves parental rights, and upholds the right to life. 

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