Rogers Remarks At FY25 Budget Request for the Department of Commerce (As Prepared)

Good morning.

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 Raimondo for being here today. The Department of Commerce’s fiscal year 2025 budget request totals $11.4 billion, which is $654 million, or a six percent increase over the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.

This includes initiatives related to bolstering trade enforcement, innovations in manufacturing technology, economic development, and many others. All initiatives that are vital to American prosperity.

I am pleased to see increases requested for workforce development initiatives and strengthening supply chain security. The Department of Commerce’s mission to spur economic growth and opportunity for all Americans grows more and more important every day.

We are facing foreign economic influences and challenges that can only be halted by prioritizing domestic competition and American labor. From outbound investment strategies to improving industrial standards, the Department of Commerce is on the front line in our fight to combat China economically.

Through hearings like this one and a close examination of the budget priorities that you submitted, I, along with my colleagues, will ensure the Department of Commerce uses all its tools and resources to take on China directly. Beyond international matters, the Commerce Department plays a significant role in economic expansion and prosperity within our nation’s borders.

My district is in the heart of Appalachia in Southeastern Kentucky. I have witnessed the distress caused by the downturn of the coal mining industry. I have seen firsthand the great things that can happen when we empower small and rural communities through job creation and economic opportunity.

The Economic Development Administration’s assistance programs encourage innovation by providing competitive incentives for job creation in struggling communities. This year’s budget also proposes investments in newer programs such as the Recompete pilot program and the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program.

Both programs aim to create sustainable innovations to train the next generation workforce. It is no secret the American economy was and continues to be built on ingenuity – taking smart and calculated risks.

The federal government, and particularly the Department of Commerce, should not stand in the way of hard-working Americans.

I look forward to hearing about how this year’s budget request prioritizes American innovation and competitiveness.

I would now like to recognize the ranking member of the Subcommittee, Mr. Cartwright.