Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Thank you, Chairman Cole and Ranking Member McGovern, for allowing me to testify on the Limit, Save, Grow Act.

I want to start by thanking Speaker McCarthy, Leader Scalise, Ways and Means Chairman Smith, and Budget Chairman Arrington for their hard work on this bill.

I hope the President will come to the table and work with us to ensure our nation does not default on our debt.

I want to highlight one very straightforward idea included in this package: to rescind funds that are not needed at this time and redirect them to other priorities.

For example, as much as $60 billion that was appropriated more than two years ago for COVID remains unspent.

Now that the national emergency is officially over, we should be able to take back those resources.

There is also no reason for the IRS to be holding on to billions of dollars for future years.

Today's hearing is on the Air Force and Space Force fiscal year 2024 budget request for military construction and family housing.

It is a great pleasure to be here today with Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment; Mr. Bruce Hollywood, Assistant Chief Operations Officer, United States Space Force; and Brigadier General Brian Hartless, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection.

Our ability to project air power in the Pacific is critically important, and we need to ensure we have the necessary infrastructure to do so, whether it be maintenance hangars, training facilities, or runways. Additionally, our Guardians need adequate facilities to work in and childcare options that meet the needs of their demanding, 24 hour a day schedules.

Good afternoon. I appreciate you all being here.

Today's hearing is on the Navy and Marine Corps fiscal year 2024 budget request for military construction and family housing.

It is a great pleasure to be here today with the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment; Vice Admiral Ricky Williamson, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Readiness and Logistics; and Lieutenant General Edward Banta, Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics for the U. S. Marine Corps.

Military construction and family housing makes up only about 2 percent of the Defense budget. Yet, it has a tremendous impact on our Sailors, Marines, and their families, who feel the impact of infrastructure investments daily.

Good morning.

Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Fifty years ago today, the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, disbanded, and combat troops departed. The last of the acknowledged prisoners of war in Hanoi also were released.

It is fitting that we are holding a hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs budget request for fiscal year 2024. More than any other federal department, the VA recognizes, supports, cares for, and lays to rest our nation's veterans. We appreciate our Vietnam Veterans and VA's efforts to honor their service.

Mr. Secretary, welcome and thank you for joining us today. We appreciate your leadership and the Department's efforts to support veterans.

I have three comments about the budget request.

First, Congress has always prioritized veterans and will continue to do so. I anticipate we will fully fund veterans' healthcare and other programs in FY24.

Good afternoon. Welcome.

Today's hearing is on the Army's fiscal year 2024 budget request for military construction and family housing.

It is a great pleasure to be here today with the Honorable Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment and Lieutenant General Kevin Vereen, Deputy Chief of Staff G9, Installation Management Command.

I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Jacobson last week. We discussed challenges and opportunities for the Army in INDOPACOM as well as the importance of childcare facilities for our soldiers and their families. I look forward to continuing our discussion today.

Investing in facilities and infrastructure is critical to supporting our soldiers and their families. These investments directly impact the way our soldiers train, sleep, eat, and take care of their families. It is important to me that we continue investing in infrastructure.