Cole Remarks at FY27 Financial Services and General Government Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Joyce. And thank you to Ranking Member Hoyer, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all of our members.

With our first full committee measure approved, we are carrying that momentum forward and continuing Fiscal Year 2027 work with the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill.

Taxpayers expect a government that is accountable, disciplined, and delivering results. This measure upholds those standards, which is incredibly important given the vast scope of the portfolio before us.

It funds the institutions that sustain our economy, enforce the rule of law, and deliver on the America First agenda. From the Executive Office of the President and our Judiciary – to the Small Business Administration and Treasury Department – its impact reaches every American. 

With that in mind – we are redefining what effective delivery looks like for the nation. This bill reflects a government that has rejected the habits of Washington’s past – and now operates with clarity, restraint, and purpose.

Chairman Joyce focused on a simple objective: a leaner federal structure with sharper execution.

Waste and bloat are eliminated. Simple things like spending less, restoring pre-pandemic workforce levels, and reining in red tape show that the era of excess is over. 

These reductions are made without compromising essential services – ensuring resources are aligned with the highest priorities of Americans. The people demanded a new mandate, and we are carrying it forward. That includes reinforcing President Trump’s work to end Biden-era rules, rein in a supercharged IRS, and ensure that only citizens vote in our elections.

The legislation also strengthens national security efforts. Included investments counter cyber vulnerabilities, scrutinize foreign acquisitions from adversaries, prevent terrorists from exploiting our financial system, and help keep fentanyl and other drugs out of our communities.

We protect against threats while strengthening what drives growth. At its core, this bill is built on the fundamentals of American success – free enterprise, small business, and empowered consumers.

Government should work smarter, faster, and more efficiently – and this legislation achieves just that. 

I thank Chairman Joyce for his leadership. I appreciate his partnership with Ranking Member Hoyer, and I thank all the staff for their hard work in bringing this bill forward. 

I look forward to advancement of the FY27 FSGG bill and continuing our progress through the appropriations process. With that, I yield back.