Press Releases

Thank you Mr. Chairman and welcome Mr. Secretary.

Mr. Chairman, I don’t think anyone will ever be able to say that President Obama or this Congress, whether under Democratic control or Republican control, has not provided the proper resources of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Like in previous budget proposals, the VA’s budget continues to grow. In fact, since 2009 total VA funding has grown by 86%. Let me say that again, VA funding since 2009 has grown 86%. How many other agencies can say that?

I would like to thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for holding this important hearing, and welcome Secretary McDonald and all of our distinguished guests this afternoon.

This Subcommittee must help address the serious challenges facing the Department of Veterans Affairs in delivering to the men and women who have faithfully served our nation the recognition and benefits they earned.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing on a set of programs that tap into one of our best attributes as a nation. National service is a core American value. It makes this country exceptional. Service provides an unparalleled richness for those that participate, and gives citizens the greatest potential to change the face of the communities they serve.

I’d like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for holding this hearing. To our distinguished FBI Director Comey, who has served this country through multiple Presidents and parties, I welcome you and thank you for your service.

Thank you, Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro, for holding this hearing. Secretary Burwell, on what may be your last occasion to testify before the House Appropriations Committee, I thank you for your service, first as Director of OMB and now as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Secretary, welcome back to the Labor-HHS subcommittee. It has been exactly one year to the day since your last appearance here. I want to express my gratitude for the work you and your Department do.

First let me start by thanking Chairman Cole. Together, we were able to make many great investments in the Labor Health and Human Services bill last year.

Thank you very much, Chairman Frelinghuysen. I appreciate you holding this hearing and look forward to working with you to craft the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Defense Bill.

Secretary Carter, General Dunford, and Under Secretary McCord, welcome to today’s hearing. I thank each of you for your commitment to our military service members, their families, and the civilian personnel under your command. Your testimony and insight are vitally important to the Committee’s deliberations as it carries out its role in providing funding for the defense of our country.

Secretary Kerry, it’s a pleasure to welcome you before our Subcommittee. Since you were sworn into office, the world has witnessed unprecedented levels of turmoil, requiring strong U.S. leadership on many fronts.

Chief among them is the Middle East.

I commend your attempts to bring about a cease-fire in Syria. However, as recent events prove, this requires the cooperation of Russia and Iran.