Remarks

I would like to thank the Subcommittee Chairwoman and the Ranking Member for their leadership on the Homeland Security appropriations bill.

All of our states and communities are experiencing a public health crisis, and the Department of Homeland Security is one of the agencies on the front lines.

During these challenging times, the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security have continued their mission at the ports of entry, along the border, and in our communities – responding to emergencies and saving lives across the nation.

Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.

Before I begin my remarks about the Defense bill, I want to take a moment to recognize the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr. Visclosky.

I had the honor of working closely with him when I chaired the Defense subcommittee. Chairman Visclosky is one of a kind. His passion and commitment to our servicemen and women and their families is absolute.

He serves with dignity, with modesty, and with determination. Like Nita Lowey, he is also a joy to work with.

He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and will be greatly missed.

I want to thank Chairman Serrano and Ranking Member Aderholt for their work on the fiscal year 2021 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill, and for their leadership on this Committee.

From efforts to combat criminal threats and protect children, to programs that strengthen U.S. competitiveness, this bill supports many important priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle.

It helps our nation's innovators and manufacturers and invests in cutting-edge research and technology.

I want to start by thanking Chairman Price and Ranking Member Diaz-Balart for their hard work on this Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development bill.

The programs funded in this bill reach into all of our communities - creating more economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for the American people.

This bill continues key transportation infrastructure and safety programs, including highway, transit, and port funding.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I want to thank Chairwoman Delauro and Ranking Member Cole for their work on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill that the Committee is considering today.

The bill continues to fund important programs that improve public health, and it sustains research into diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers disease. Funds are also included to defend the nation against biological threats.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I want to begin by thanking Chairwoman Kaptur and Ranking Member Simpson for their leadership on the Energy and Water Subcommittee.

I appreciate that the bill continues significant funding for our nation's water resources infrastructure. Almost every Congressional district across the country benefits in some way from the important work of the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.

These agencies are responsible for projects that protect the public and property from floods and hurricanes.

I want to thank Chairman Ryan and Ranking Member Herrera-Beutler for the work they have done to address critical issues that affect the Congress.

This bill recognizes the important, bipartisan work of the House Select Committee on Modernization and takes steps to make Congress more effective, efficient, and transparent on behalf of the American people.

This bill funds priorities of the Architect of the Capitol in order to support the Capitol's aging infrastructure and promote the safety and health of employees and visitors.

I want to thank Chair McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce for the work they've done on many important programs supported by the Interior bill.

This bill funds priorities and concerns of Members on both sides of the aisle and does many good things for the preservation of our natural resources.

In addition, the bill helps local communities across the country with education and safety needs, particularly in Indian country.

Even though the bill funds many shared priorities, there are several policy items that raise concern.