Granger Remarks at 118th Organizational Meeting (As Prepared)

Feb 7, 2023
Statements

Good morning and welcome to the first meeting of the Committee on Appropriations for the 118th congress.

The business today is to consider the Committee Rules and Subcommittee Jurisdictions.

Before we do that, I want to start by saying that serving on this committee has been one of the greatest honors of my time in Congress.

I am humbled to serve as your Chair.

We have our work cut out for us this year.

In many ways, the odds are stacked against us.

But as I look across the room, I am reminded that we – as Appropriators – always find a way to get the job done for the American people.

I am hopeful that together we will continue that great tradition.

As I lead this committee, I will focus our work on that which unites us.

By conducting robust, bipartisan oversight of government agencies and programs through hearings, briefings, and in-person visits, we can learn more about where our tax dollars are going.

Oversight is an important aspect of the Committee’s work.

After years of runaway spending, my constituents want things to change in Washington. 

Being responsible stewards of the People’s money should not be a controversial position.

I encourage all members to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Of course, none of us can do this alone. I will need help and cooperation from each of you. And, I thank you in advance for that help.

In particular, let me recognize my good friend Tom Cole who will help lead this committee and continue to serve as Vice Chair.

Tom has been an exceptional leader, and I am honored he will continue in this role.

I also want to recognize our representatives to the Budget Committee. 

  • Representative David Valadao,
  • Representative Ben Cline, and
  • Representative Stephanie Bice.

Your work as representatives of the Committee will be more important this year than ever.

I wish you luck as you work with Chairman Arrington to get a budget resolution done. 

I hope you can work quickly so we can start our work soon.

Let me now take a moment to recognize our Ranking Member, Rosa Delauro.

I congratulate you in your new role, and I look forward to working with you this Congress to address the challenges ahead.

I also want to congratulate all of our colleagues – both those returning to the Committee and some fresh faces, including ten new Republicans.

I know Ranking Member Delauro will introduce a few Members on her side, but I will take a brief opportunity to recognize the new Republicans:

As I read your name, please stand, and be recognized.

  • Michael Cloud from the great state of Texas,
  • Michael Guest of Mississippi,
  • Ryan Zinke of Montana,
  • Andrew Clyde of Georgia,
  • Jake LaTurner of Kansas,
  • Jerry Carl of Alabama,
  • Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma,
  • Scott Franklin of Florida,
  • Jake Ellzey another fellow Texan, and
  • Juan Ciscomani of Arizona.

I am confident that our new Members will provide valuable insight to our committee.

And finally, let me introduce some key members of my staff who will be a resource to us all this Congress:

  • Anne Marie Chotvacs, Clerk and Staff Director,
  • Sara Peters and David Adkins, her deputies,
  • John Martens, Senior Advisor with over 20 years’ experience on the Committee, and
  • Johnnie Kaberle, who will continue to advise me on special projects and Members’ priorities.

They are here to help us get the job done, and I encourage all Members to reach out to them with your questions and concerns.

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In closing, I look forward to working with all of you to finish our work and fund the government in a responsible and timely manner.

It will not be easy, and there will be times we disagree. But as our friend and former colleague Nita Lowey would say: "we can disagree without being disagreeable."

You have my commitment on that.