Remarks

Thank you, my good friend, Mr. Diaz-Balart, for having us think about what's happening right now. We all work together and develop these bills that are so important, but we also work together as family. So thank you for that recognition. I know we're thinking about Chairman Price.

I want to thank the chair for yielding and for her work on the fiscal year 2023 bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

I also want to recognize the ranking member of this subcommittee, Tom Cole. He serves as the vice ranking member for the Republicans on our committee. I truly value your advice and your expertise.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for yielding.

First, I want to thank Chair Mccollum and Ranking Member Calvert for their work on the fiscal year 2023 Defense Appropriations Bill.

As the former chair of this subcommittee, I know how much hard work went into drafting this bill, and I also want to acknowledge the committee staff.

Thank you, Chair McCollum. I would first like to commend you for your diligent and detailed work in crafting the bill before us today. I would also like to recognize and thank all the members of the subcommittee for their hard work and commitment to our national security.

Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.

As we sit here today, inflation is 8.6 percent above last year, the highest it's been in more than 40 years. Economists are saying American households should budget an extra $5,000 this year to cover rising prices – that's over $400 a month. Many families simply cannot afford this.

Prices of everyday goods have skyrocketed over the last year under the Biden Administration. For example:

Thank you, Madam Chair, for yielding.

Before I start, I want to recognize the subcommittee chair, Mr. Ryan. This is the last Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill he will bring before this committee, and I want to thank him for his dedication to improving the Congress during his time as chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I appreciate Chairman Ryan working with you on the Legislative Branch Bill, it's really been a pleasure. Chair and Ranking Member Granger, I appreciate the chance to get to work with you all on this tiny, but mighty subcommittee.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for yielding, and for your work on the fiscal year 2023 State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill. I also want to recognize the work of the former chairman of the committee and the current ranking member of the subcommittee, Mr. Rogers.

I previously served as chair of this subcommittee and know that this bill funds many programs that have bipartisan support – the most important being the funding for Israel. I am pleased to see that Chairwoman Lee has included $3.3 billion for Israel's security.