Rogers Remarks at Budget Hearing on the Department of Commerce

The Subcommittee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time. I would like to welcome everyone to this morning’s hearing. Thank you to our Subcommittee members and to Secretary Lutnick for being here today. 

The Fiscal Year 2026 budget request comes at a time of continued fiscal pressure. We must ensure every American taxpayer dollar is used efficiently and continue our work to reduce duplication across agencies and throughout the government. The Department of Commerce’s budget request totals $8.4 billion, a $1.8 billion or 17 percent decrease from the enacted level. 

The budget request includes funding for targeted investments in tools to address unfair trade practices and emphasizes important initiatives such as American manufacturing and trade enforcement. Specifically, it includes a 50 percent increase for the Bureau of Industry and Security to counter threats from China and protect America’s technological competitiveness. The budget request also includes a 20 percent increase for the Census Bureau to continue providing reliable statistics. Overall, the Department of Commerce is charged with protecting supply chain security, economic growth and job creation, weather research and response, and economic data analysis. All keystones imperative to American prosperity. 

On the international front, the Department plays an important role in protecting our industries from one-sided trade practices and strengthens supply chains that are key to ensuring our economic security and global leadership. I have always been a strong supporter of the Department of Commerce. The Department’s core initiatives are vital to small town economies across the nation, including my district in eastern Kentucky. 

One of the most critical components of revitalizing rural America is expanding access to high-speed, reliable broadband. In far too many places, a lack of broadband access is not just an inconvenience. It is a barrier to education, job creation, entrepreneurship, and even basic health care. From EDA’s emphasis on job creation and expanding economic opportunity to NOAA’s local weather forecast offices that work around the clock to send out alerts during times of severe weather, the Department's wide-ranging responsibilities require clear prioritization and accountability. 

I look forward to hearing from you on how this budget request furthers our shared goals of reducing wasteful spending, ensuring global competitiveness, expanding broadband, and driving economic development. I would now like to recognize the ranking member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Meng.