Remarks
Good morning. I want to thank all of you for coming to today’s hearing to receive testimony from our colleagues. I look forward to hearing more about the projects, programs and issues in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that are important to your district and to communities across the country.
Thank you, Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, and thank you, Secretary Collins, for being with us today.
Thank you, Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Pingree.
Administrator Zeldin, welcome back to the House. It is great to have you testify before this subcommittee on the Environmental Protection Agency’s goals for the upcoming fiscal year.
As you well know, I am proud to represent the Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada, Oklahoma.
For over 50 years, the Kerr Lab – which leads the U.S. in research and advancements on groundwater, aquifer recharge, and agriculture soil health – has established itself to be a premier EPA research center.
The Committee will come to order. This morning I’d like to welcome the 17th Administrator of the EPA, Lee Zeldin. Administrator Zeldin, welcome back to the House. I’m sure it feels different to sit on the other side of the witness table.
We are here to discuss the FY 2026 budget for the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mr. Secretary, good morning. Thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on your confirmation and your first appearance testifying before our subcommittee.
We value the opportunity to engage in an open and productive dialogue with you as we work together to strengthen the Department’s mission.
Thank you, Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum.
Welcome to the three of you. Mr. Secretary, congratulations on your appointment. Admiral Kilby, General Smith—it’s an honor to have you before us today. I want to extend my gratitude to you for your commendable and continuing service to our country, and to the men and women in uniform.
