Remarks
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.
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.
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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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.
Good afternoon, everyone. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Indian Health Service Acting Director Benjamin Smith. Thank you for your leadership of the IHS, and for being with us today to discuss the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request.
