Remarks

I am pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill to the full committee for consideration and approval.  Let me thank Chairman Cole for his essential leadership at the helm of the Appropriations Committee and for his wisdom in refocusing this subcommittee, starting by changing the name, to better reflect that the investments made on behalf of the American people are to advance U.S. national security. 

I also want to thank Ranking Member Frankel and Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of the subcommittee for your partnership in developing this bill. 

I’d like to start by thanking Chairman Simpson for all his work on this bill. I’d also like to thank Ranking Member DeLauro and Ranking Member Pingree, for their continued partnership.

The bill before us today honors both our commitment to preserve America’s natural heritage and our duty to ensure a strong, sustainable, and fiscally responsible future. 

This bill supports President Trump’s agenda to unleash American energy and cut red tape. We include provisions that reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, protect American jobs, and lower energy costs. With a focus on U.S. energy dominance, we strengthen our national security by expanding access to critical minerals. 

Thank you, Chairman Cole.  I am pleased to present the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 

Today’s bill has a wide reach, from our national parks to the water in our pipes. It funds fighting wildfires out West and furthers our commitment to our Tribal nations. 

The bill before us today targets resources to reduce energy costs, protect American jobs, and preserve access to our public lands for recreation, hunting, and development of our natural resources.

I recognize that we cannot tackle the nation’s entire debt through the Appropriations Committee given discretionary spending only amounts to roughly 26 percent of U.S. expenditures. The national debt, however, has reached an excess of $36 trillion. The level of funding in this bill takes a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility.

Thank you, Chairman Joyce. And thank you to Ranking Member Hoyer, Ranking Member of the Full Committee DeLauro, and all the members of the subcommittee.

Today we continue our work on the FY 2026 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill.

This legislation provides important resources for agencies and offices that impact every American, our economy, and the branches of the United States government. From the Executive Office of the President to the Federal Judiciary, the impact touches everything from national security to the rule of law.

Taxpayers demand legislation that responsibly addresses critical needs while systematically eliminating waste. This measure exemplifies that approach and further demonstrates steady and consistent progress in cutting federal spending. 

I would like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for being here today. And of course, I would like to thank Ranking Member Hoyer. I value his insights on and off this Subcommittee.

I’m proud of the product we are marking up today.  This bill reflects the hard work of the Subcommittee over the last several months. 

Counting our Member day back in early March, we’ve held nine hearings, on top of the additional briefings to inform our work.

As you all know, the Financial Services and General Government, or FSGG, bill covers a broad swath of the federal government – including the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the Federal Judiciary, and more than 20 independent Commissions, Departments, and Agencies. 

Thank you, Chairman Fleischmann, Ranking Member Kaptur, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our committee members.

Today’s measure is a cornerstone of American energy dominance and security. 

We need affordable, reliable, and secure power for the nation – and the bill before us delivers it. 

To drive down energy costs, restore American energy independence, and support U.S. jobs, we are advancing policies and investments that unleash the full potential of American-made energy.

This marks a critical shift. 

The days of Biden-era red tape and growing reliance on foreign supply are over. In its place: a clear, America first energy strategy is being implemented—which is further reflected in this FY26 measure. 

It makes historic investments to secure our energy systems and reduce reliance on foreign materials.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present to the Committee the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

I’d like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their leadership throughout this process, and my good friend and Ranking Member of the Energy and Water subcommittee, Marcy Kaptur, for her partnership. 

I’d also like to extend my appreciation to all my colleagues for their valuable input in helping to shape this bill.

The FY26 Energy and Water bill demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security, unleashing American energy dominance, and advancing our economic competitiveness—in a fiscally responsible manner. The recommendation totals $57.3 billion, a decrease of $766 million below fiscal year 2025. 

Thank you, Chairman Womack, and thank you to Ranking Member Clyburn, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members. 

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development measure before the subcommittee today responsibly funds our most critical transportation and housing needs while demonstrating fiscal responsibility. 

This measure ensures that our airways, railways and roads are safe and improves reliability for the traveling public and freight haulers. Substantial funding allocated for highways through the Highway Trust Fund also delivers a meaningful increase that strengthens our core infrastructure.