Simpson Remarks at Budget Hearing on Department of Interior

This afternoon I’d like to welcome the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum. I would also like to welcome and thank Congressman Tom Cole for joining us today in his role as full committee chair. Chairman Cole is the first Native American to ever chair the Appropriations Committee and continues to be a champion for Indian Country and a great supporter of this subcommittee. 

Mr. Secretary, it’s a pleasure to see you again before this subcommittee. You and I had a chance to meet recently, and I enjoyed hearing about your first year as Secretary of the Interior and about your continued commitment to improving the Department in service of the American people.

Our hearing today will address the Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities for the Department of the Interior and provide you with an opportunity to share some accomplishments and outline your goals for this fiscal year. I look forward to hearing more about your work on reshaping the agency with a focus on producing domestic energy, securing critical minerals, and promoting and expanding recreational and commercial access to healthy and productive public lands.  And to hearing more about the ways in which we can continue to prioritize our treaty and trust obligations throughout Indian Country.

For Fiscal Year 2027, the President’s budget requests roughly $15 billion for Department of the Interior programs under this subcommittee’s jurisdiction. Today’s discussion helps inform our budget review process. It helps us gain a fuller understanding of your priorities and vision for the future of the Department – and for us to share our priorities and grapple with areas where we may disagree. 

One of the priorities of this subcommittee – under both Republican and Democratic leadership – is upholding and fulfilling our Tribal treaty and trust responsibilities.  We look forward to continuing to work together to direct funding to Tribes’ greatest needs, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and community and economic development.

Finally, no discussion of this budget would be complete without mentioning our wildland fire fighters. I look forward to hearing more about the Department’s strategies and funding levels needed to support them in their fight to keep our communities safe and protect our forests. Secretary Burgum, thank you again for joining us this afternoon.