Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5860, a bill that keeps the government open until November 17^th.

While I would rather be here speaking on the floor about final appropriations bills, I want members to understand why passing this short-term funding bill today is so important.

First, I want to explain how we find ourselves in this situation.

Just nine months ago, when Republicans took back the Majority in the House, our commitment was to Regular Order for appropriations.

No more omnibus measures released in the dead of night. No more Christmas Eve votes on thousands of pages of text that Members of Congress had not read.

Unfortunately, there were a few stumbling blocks as we sought to change the process.

For example, the Administration's budget request was more than a month late. It then took months for the President to come to the table on the debt ceiling negotiations.

First, I want to thank Chairman Fleischmann for his work on this bill.

It delivers responsible appropriations in support of a stronger national defense, economy, and energy sector.

As we face growing threats around the world, the bill invests in the Department of Energy's work on weapons development and supporting infrastructure.

This bill also reduces spending on unnecessary programs and reprioritizes funding to areas that strengthen our energy security.

In particular, it eliminates funds from climate change initiatives in order to responsibly maintain programs that ensure affordable and reliable energy.

To reduce our reliance on China, this bill supports domestic development of critical minerals.

Finally, I appreciate the Chair's efforts to continue significant funding for the Army Corps of Engineers for navigation and flood control projects.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am pleased to present to the Committee the fiscal year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

First, I'd like to thank Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member DeLauro for their leadership on this bill. I'd like to especially thank my Ranking Member, Ms. Kaptur, for being a tremendous partner throughout this year's process.

I thank all Members for their input and requests for this bill. We received almost 5,000 Member requests and worked hard to be as accommodating as possible within the overall priorities of the bill.

The recommendation totals just under $58 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion above fiscal year 2023 and a reduction of $2 billion below the President's Budget Request.

The defense allocation is $32.5 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion above last year.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for presenting the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill.

I appreciate the work you have done on this bill.

The bill before us delivers responsible appropriations in support of a stronger national defense, economy, and energy sector.

As we face growing threats around the world, this bill reduces spending on unnecessary programs and re-prioritizes funding to areas that strengthen our national security.

In particular, it eliminates funds from climate change initiatives in order to responsibly maintain programs that ensure affordable and reliable energy for the American people.

The bill also invests in our nuclear weapons and nuclear navy to ensure we have the ability to address the threats we face.

To reduce our reliance on China, this bill supports the domestic development of critical minerals.

Welcome to the subcommittee markup of the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill. I am pleased to be joined by Subcommittee Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur, Full Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger, and Full Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro.

The Energy and Water bill is critical for our national security, our energy security, and our economic competitiveness. The recommendation totals $57.958 billion, an increase of $1.256 billion above Fiscal Year 2023 and a reduction of $1.963 billion below the President's Budget Request.

The defense allocation is $32.513 billion, an increase of $1.113 billion above last year.