Remarks

The bill before you today balances the need for responsible fiscal stewardship, while maintaining key investments in biomedical research, America’s schools, and core public health.

I thank my good friend – Chairman Harris – for the time. Today’s Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill recognizes a simple truth: when American agriculture is strong, America is strong.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to bring before the House H.R. 8646, the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Thank you, Chairman Womack, Ranking Member Clyburn, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all our committee members. With our eighth measure now advanced out of full committee, we’re keeping up the momentum with consideration of the FY27 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill.

Thank you, Chairman Cole, for your remarks on this bill and for your leadership. This committee is fulfilling its constitutional duty thanks to your dedication. And thank you, Ranking Member DeLauro, for your leadership on this committee. Ranking Member Clyburn, thank you for your honest and thoughtful engagement on the subcommittee, and for your friendship.

Thank you, Chairman Simpson, and thank you to Ranking Member Pingree, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members. Today, we continue our Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations work with consideration of the Interior and Environment bill.

I am pleased to be here today to mark up the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. I’d like to thank Chairman Cole for his leadership and support for this subcommittee. I also want to recognize Ranking Member DeLauro for her continued engagement throughout the process, and Ranking Member Pingree, who has been a great partner and continues to demonstrate her commitment to the issues in this bill.

I’d like to welcome our witness, the Honorable Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General of the United States, to testify before our subcommittee today. Last month, the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Bill cleared the full House Appropriations Committee.