Remarks

This afternoon I’d like to welcome the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum. I would also like to welcome and thank Congressman Tom Cole for joining us today in his role as full committee chair. Chairman Cole is the first Native American to ever chair the Appropriations Committee and continues to be a champion for Indian Country and a great supporter of this subcommittee.

Thank you, Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum.

Today, the Subcommittee will convene for an open budget hearing to receive testimony on the National Guard and Reserve Forces.

Thank you, Chairman Joyce. And thank you to Ranking Member Hoyer, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all the members of the subcommittee. After advancing a bill centered on those who serve, we now take up the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill - ensuring that the nation they protect is supported by a government that is accountable, disciplined, and results-oriented.

Thank you, Chairman Carter, and thank you to Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, Ranking Member DeLauro, and all members of the subcommittee. Today, we begin consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill – our first step in advancing another year of responsible, results-driven appropriations.

Welcome to the subcommittee markup of the fiscal year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.  Welcome Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Ranking Member Wasserman-Schultz.

Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor to welcome the 21st Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Tom Schultz. Chief Schultz, you bring a wealth of experience to your role as Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, including a number of years as Idaho Director of Lands. As Idahoans, we have both seen firsthand how catastrophic wildfire can devastate our landscapes, communities, people, and the habitats of the animals that thrive in our forests.