Rogers Remarks at FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill Subcommittee Markup

Over the last several months, our country has charted a course of recovery under President Trump. 

We are tackling immigration head on by securing our borders while standing up for what is right and just. We are right-sizing Federal government agencies to ensure Washington D.C. is working on behalf of our citizens, and not against them. And in Congress, we are moving appropriations bills that meet the needs of the American people. 

That is why I am proud to present the Fiscal Year 2026 CJS legislation which carries these positions forward. The bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $76.824 billion which represents a 2.8 percent decrease when compared to the total effective spending of the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. Importantly, the bill makes strategic investments in several agencies while appropriately reducing others. 

Despite recent progress in the fight against fentanyl and other opioids, overdose deaths continue to plague our communities and neighborhoods. As a result, this bill continues to ensure the DEA within the Department of Justice receives the funding it needs to combat illicit drug use and drug trafficking. Additionally, the Bureau of Prisons is also funded at a level that will continue to reform and enhance the nation’s prison system. 

Moreover, the Fiscal Year 2026 bill strongly supports the men and women in blue that protect our families and neighborhoods by increasing funding for state and local law enforcement. From increased funding levels directed to the Byrne JAG program to the COPS Hiring program, the Fiscal Year 2026 legislation puts our law enforcement first. To ensure America is the leader in space exploration, the FY26 CJS bill also continues to maintain funding levels for NASA and its endeavor to return to the moon. With its sights on Mars, NASA will not only lead the way to the next frontier, but it will also ensure America maintains a competitive advantage over China. 

The legislation also protects and reinforces Constitutional rights such as the Second Amendment by reining in and refocusing the ATF. Under this bill, law abiding citizens will no longer feel threatened by the heavy hand of the Biden-era Department of Justice. Additionally, flooding has inflicted much pain on this nation over the last few months. From my district in Kentucky to Texas, now is the time to ensure the National Weather Service is equipped with the funding it needs to warn and protect our citizens.   

This bill does just that by appropriately funding NOAA’s weather units. Overall, the provisions and funding levels in the Fiscal Year 2026 CJS bill will protect our children, our families, our neighborhoods, and our country. 

I would like to thank all the Subcommittee Members for their attention and participation in budget hearings these past few months.The testimony that we received and corresponding answers to our questions directly impacted the drafting of this legislation. Importantly, I would like to thank Ranking Member Meng for her continued partnership over the last few months. I would also like to acknowledge Chairman Cole for the leadership that he brings to the Full Committee, and to the entire U.S. House of Representatives when it comes to funding our government.

Additionally, I would like to thank Ranking Member DeLauro for her tireless advocacy.   Lastly, thanks to both the Majority and Minority staff for assisting with the development and production of this year’s bill.