Rogers Remarks at FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill Subcommittee Markup (As Prepared for Delivery)

Welcome to the Subcommittee Markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Welcome Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Ranking Member Meng. Not only are we marking 250 impressive years for our country, but we are also marking a remarkable recovery that has been ushered in since President Trump returned to office. 

Here in Congress, we are once again continuing our work of moving appropriations bills that meet the needs of the American people and that support the Administration’s efforts. That is why I am proud to present the Fiscal Year 2027 CJS legislation which carries on our work of right-sizing Federal government agencies to ensure Washington D.C. is working on behalf of our citizens, and not against them. 

The bill before us today provides a total discretionary allocation of $77.341 billion, a $670 million decrease in spending below the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. To support President Trump’s fight against fraud, the bill provides $30 million to the Department of Justice’s new National Fraud Enforcement Division. 

With this funding, malicious actors that seek to defraud American citizens and their hard-earned money will be held accountable. No longer will these fraudsters operate in the shadows. Unfortunately, fentanyl and other opioids continue to ravage our communities and neighborhoods. To counter this devastation, this bill increases funding for the DEA within the Department of Justice 

I applaud DEA for taking down multiple cartel leaders, and with the funding provided in this bill, DEA’s efforts will be strongly supported moving forward. Additionally, this bill also includes strong funding for our Federal law enforcement components, which are working to secure our nation from threats.

The Fiscal Year 2027 bill also 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 for the Byrne JAG formula program to the COPS Hiring program, the Fiscal Year 2027 legislation follows President Trump’s example of putting our law enforcement first. Additionally, the FY27 CJS bill continues to bolster programs that support everyday Americans including strong funding for more accurate weather forecasting and alerts and trade practices that benefit our communities. To ensure America is the leader in space exploration, the FY27 CJS bill also maintains strong funding levels for NASA. 

With the recent success of Artemis II, it is a critical time to invest in human space exploration and ensure that American astronauts are the first to return to the Moon. With its sights on Mars, NASA will lead the way to the next frontier and safeguard our national security by ensuring 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 and fully supporting DOJ’s new Second Amendment Section. 

Overall, the provisions and funding levels in the Fiscal Year 2027 CJS bill focus resources on protecting our families, our neighborhoods, and our nation. 

I would like to thank all the Subcommittee Members for their participation in budget hearings these past few weeks including one this past Monday. Our Subcommittee has been busy. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Meng for her continued partnership over the last few months. 

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Chairman Cole for his skilled leadership. Navigating 12 bills through Committee is no easy task, and Chairman Cole does it with expertise. I would also like to thank Ranking Member DeLauro for her determined advocacy. Finally, thanks to both the Majority and Minority staff for assisting with the development and production of this year’s bill.