Chairwoman Roybal-Allard Statement at Hearing on DHS Office of Inspector General

I welcome everyone to the first Department of Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing of the 116th Congress, and my first hearing as chair.

I have been a member of this subcommittee since it was established in the 108th Congress, following the horror and tragedies of 9/11.  I served as ranking member in the 114th and the 115th Congresses.

My first experience as chair of this subcommittee was finishing the fiscal year 2019 DHS spending bill.  Based on that experience, I can attest to the fact the role of chair is never easy, and much more than merely funding the various DHS agencies. 

Members of this subcommittee do not always agree.  In fact, at times, we strongly disagree on funding and policy matters.  My experience, however, is that those disagreements are founded on a belief of what is in the best interests of our country.

Our subcommittee has always had a strong tradition of collegiality, professionalism, and bipartisan support for the department’s many important missions.  As our members work together to protect our homeland, it is my intent that my tenure as chair will continue that tradition of commitment to bipartisanship, fairness, and public service. 

I can think of no better partner to join me in that effort than the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee, Ranking Member Fleischmann, also a long-time member of this subcommittee.  I would now like to turn to Ranking Member Fleischmann for his opening remarks.

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Mr. Kelly, thank you for joining us this morning.  There are many critical areas for oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.  Therefore, it is fitting to formally begin our hearings with the Office of Inspector General, which is perhaps in the best position inform us about how the Department of Homeland Security is doing.

Mr. Kelly, we look forward to your testimony. We will submit the full text of your official statement for the record.