Remarks
First, I would like to thank Chairman Cole for his leadership and guidance as we have worked through a particularly challenging process this year, given the recent conclusion of the FY25 process and the continuing lack of a detailed defense budget request.
I would also like to thank both Ranking Member McCollum and Ranking Member DeLauro for their continuing friendship and partnership of many years.
As our time is very short today, and everyone is tired, I will seek to be relatively brief.
Chairman Calvert, thank you for all the work you have done to ensure leadership in America’s defense, and thank you to Ranking Member McCollum for her partnership in that endeavor.
We hope for peace, while always being prepared to sustain it.
That has always been the burden and the honor of a free nation – and generation after generation, our military has stood as the greatest force for liberty the world has ever seen.
Thank you, Chairman Harris, and thank you to Ranking Member Bishop, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of the Committee for being with us today.
As we continue our markup schedule for Fiscal Year 2026, I’m reminded that America’s farmers and ranchers were already hard at work before we entered this room. Sunup to sundown is nothing new for our producers – it’s a way of life. And it’s a powerful reminder that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our great nation.
Thank you, Chairman Cole, and I want to commend your leadership as we get the FY26 appropriations process underway. I also want to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Subcommittee Ranking Member, Mr. Bishop, for their work in getting us to this point. I appreciate the conversations Mr. Bishop, and I have had, and while I know we don’t agree on everything in the bill, we do agree on the importance of the agencies and programs this bill funds.
Our next order of business is consideration of the Interim 302(b) Subcommittee Allocations for Fiscal Year 2026 for our first four bills.
These interim allocations will allow us to begin our work.
As we move forward, this committee is prepared to do the hard work – line by line – to uphold fiscal discipline and effective governance.
Our FY26 process will target resources where they are needed most, reinforce the safety and security of the American people, and invest in high-impact missions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
