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.  

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and thank you to Ranking Member Meng, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill sets firm priorities: 
•    Strengthening the safety of our communities; 
•    Driving American leadership in science and innovation; 
•    And expanding opportunity in our economy.

Thank you, Chairman Aderholt, and thank you to Ranking Member DeLauro and to all the members of the committee for being here today.

Our markup work continues with a bill of critical importance to Americans and our nation. The legislation before us funds the operations of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other related agencies. From biomedical research to our classrooms—the impact of this measure on public health and education is one of great importance.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  It is my pleasure to present the fiscal year 2026 recommendations of the subcommittee on labor, health and human services, education, and related agencies to the full committee. I would like to thank you, Chairman Cole, for your longstanding leadership on the Labor-HHS bill and express my appreciation for Ranking Member DeLauro, who tirelessly champions her priorities for this bill.  Ms. DeLauro and I may not always agree, but I very much appreciate her good faith efforts to work together wherever we can.