Remarks

First, I want to thank Chairman Fleischmann for his work on this bill.

It delivers responsible appropriations in support of a stronger national defense, economy, and energy sector.

As we face growing threats around the world, the bill invests in the Department of Energy's work on weapons development and supporting infrastructure.

This bill also reduces spending on unnecessary programs and reprioritizes funding to areas that strengthen our energy security.

Good morning, everyone. The Subcommittee will come to order.

This morning we will markup the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill.

I want to welcome all the Subcommittee Members to this morning's markup, including the distinguished Chair of the full House Appropriations Committee, Kay Granger, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Hoyer.

As we continue to move through markups, it is important to remember that this is not a normal funding year. Trillions of dollars were spent outside of the annual appropriations process during the last Congress, and we must re-evaluate our spending priorities.

Thank you, Chairwoman Granger. I appreciate your leadership and your continued support of our men and women in uniform.

I also want to recognize my friend, our Subcommittee's Ranking Member, Ms. McCollum. We have been each other's Chair or Ranking Member for many years now, and I appreciate our relationship.

The fiscal year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill provides $826.45 billion for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

This is $286 million above the President's request and $27.8 billion above the Fiscal Year 2023 enacted level.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present to the Committee the fiscal year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

First, I'd like to thank Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member DeLauro for their leadership on this bill. I'd like to especially thank my Ranking Member, Ms. Kaptur, for being a tremendous partner throughout this year's process.

Let me begin by thanking the Members of the Committee for their participation in the process of putting the Homeland Security bill together.

We made a concerted effort to address as many Member priorities as possible.

Our job on this Committee is to provide the resources required to keep our nation safe. This bill ensures that the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security, who work tirelessly on our behalf, have the resources and tools they need to protect this great nation.

Thank you, Chairwoman Granger.

I would like to start by saying thank you to our Ranking Member, Mr. Espaillat. His cooperation and patience as we have moved through the process this year is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to the Chairwoman, Ms. Granger for your leadership getting the Legislative Branch bill to this point, and Ranking Member DeLauro for all your support of the Legislative Branch.

First, I want to thank the Subcommittee Chairman for his work on the Legislative Branch appropriations bill.

This bill is a great example of what needs to be done to reduce overall spending while funding our highest priorities.

This bill responsibly reduces funding for the Legislative Branch by 2%.

This is done without impacting the day-to-day operations of Congress or sacrificing the security of the Capitol complex.

It supports our brave Capitol police officers.