Remarks
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
History reminds us that shutdowns never change the outcome—only the cost paid by the American people. Over the last forty-three days, the facts did not shift, the votes required did not shift, and the path forward did not change. The only thing that did move was the level of pain Democrats inflicted on the nation.
Chairwoman Foxx, Ranking Member McGovern, and esteemed members of the Rules Committee, I thank you for your warm welcome and your kind invitation to testify today.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. This Congress has a fundamental responsibility to fund the government and keep it open and serving the American people. It’s a duty I take seriously – and one I have worked diligently to lead on.
Thank you, Chairman Cole, and thank you for the leadership that you bring to the House of Representatives, this Committee, and the entire process of appropriately funding our federal government. I would also like to thank Ranking Member Meng, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all Members of this Committee.
The House Appropriations Committee does some of the most important work in Congress, and it cannot be completed without Members’ dedication to this effort. Additionally, I would also like to thank both the Majority and Minority staff for their hard work.
