Remarks

Thank you, Chairman Cole, and I want to commend your leadership as we wrap up the Committee’s work on the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process regarding the  Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies bill. I also wish to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Ms. Wasserman-Schultz, for their engagement on the bill before us. Especially the work with Ms. Wasserman-Schultz, while there are things we cannot agree, there any plenty we can and most importantly we agree on how important this bill is in supporting our service members and veterans.

I would once again like to welcome everyone to our first full committee bill markup for Fiscal Year 2026. In highlighting the values we hold close as a nation, it's only fitting that the appropriations process begins with the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Bill.

The proposal before us is a testament to caring for those who’ve selflessly worn America’s uniform, their families, and the defenders who follow their path of service. We meet this mission not only in words of gratitude, but in policies that support them. 

Today, I welcome the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Honorable Scott Turner. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here to discuss HUD’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request. I also want to thank you for your visit to Northwest Arkansas in April. It was great to have you on-the-ground to see the impact of HUD programs in my district. 

It is this Committee’s responsibility to complete our work on time. I believe we can achieve this goal, and I am pleased that, under Chairman Cole’s leadership, we have already begun marking up our 12 appropriations bills for FY26. 

At the same time, it is our expectation that the Departments under our jurisdiction spend the funds consistently with the way we appropriate them. We appreciate your partnership as you continue to fully implement the funds Congress made available to HUD for FY25. 

Thank you Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum. Welcome Secretary Hegseth and General Caine, and thank you for your service to our great nation. As today marks your first appearance before this subcommittee, I want to reaffirm my commitment to working with you to ensure a strong defense. We convene at a time of significant global uncertainty. The threats facing America are diverse and evolving – and demand a strong, agile, and effectively funded Department of Defense. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, my primary responsibility is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are allocated wisely and effectively to safeguard our security. 

Today, the Subcommittee will convene for an open oversight hearing to receive testimony regarding the Department of Defense from The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Secretary and General Caine, congratulations to you both on your new roles and welcome to your first hearing before the Subcommittee.  We look forward to working with you closely to provide for the common defense.

I would like to first thank Chairman Amodei, Ranking Member Underwood, and all the members of the subcommittee for being here today. Keeping Americans safe and secure is a fundamental duty, and the measure we are considering this evening supports that mission. 

There is no denying that in today’s evolving risk landscape, protection and preparedness are not optional—America must lead. The Department of Homeland Security plays a central role in that effort, and we are committed to providing the resources needed to safeguard the homeland on every front. While cartels and bad actors push at our borders, foreign adversaries and terrorists remain intent on hacking our systems, challenging our infrastructure and networks daily.

Welcome to the Subcommittee Markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. I would like to welcome Full Committee Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro, Subcommittee Ranking Member Underwood, and all the Members of the Subcommittee. I will hold my comments until the end, so I’ll begin by recognizing the distinguished gentlelady from Illinois, Ms. Underwood for her opening comments.

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I would first like to thank the Members of the Subcommittee for their participation and insightful questions during our budget hearings last month. As we put together the bill and report, we made a concerted effort to address as many Member priorities as possible. The bill before us today provides $66.3 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion above fiscal year 2025, and $26.5 billion for major disaster response and recovery activities. 

Thank you, Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Pingree. Good morning, Acting Director Smith. Thank you for being here to discuss the Indian Health Service Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request. 

As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, I have always prioritized Tribal issues in my work as a Member of Congress and on this important Committee. I have been – and will remain – committed to ensuring the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to Native Americans to provide basic services and resources throughout Indian Country. I appreciate the important role IHS plays in this effort – delivering critical health care services to roughly 2.8 million individuals.