Ranking Member Cartwright Statement at the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request Hearing for the Department of Justice

Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Request Request for the Department of Justice:

Thank you, Chairman Rogers, and I would like to echo you in welcoming Attorney General Garland back to the subcommittee to discuss the Department of Justice's fiscal year 2025 budget request. I thank you for your continued leadership at the Department leading the men and women of the DOJ who work tirelessly to continue the pursuit of truth and justice.

Resources provided to the Justice Department are and will continue to be under a microscope, but the mission of the Justice Department remains unchanged. I look forward to working with you to ensure we are making smart investments to keep our communities safe.

Just last week we had Director Wray before us and we heard about the real challenges that the FBI along with its State, local, and tribal law enforcement partners are facing, especially in keeping deadly fentanyl off our streets. I heard him clearly – State and local law enforcement are asking for more from the FBI – not less. I trust that could also be said for many other bureaus of the Department.

Further, the defense of our national security and mitigation of emerging foreign and domestic threats, including cyber, is critical – especially in an election year. The Department's role in upholding the rule of law and preserving our democratic values for free and fair elections cannot be understated.

To carry out the Department's broad missions, your fiscal year 2025 budget request seeks $38.9 billion in discretionary funding, a 5 percent increase above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level.

It prioritizes funding for the over 100,000 employees of the DOJ and makes vital increases to every federal law enforcement agency and the U.S. Attorneys offices. It includes a strong increase for Violence Against Women Act grants, as well as strong increases for COPS Hiring grants and Byrne JAG formula funding for state and local law enforcement. I look forward to working with Chairman Rogers and the Attorney General on ensuring we sustain investments that our State and local law enforcement partners rely on. Congress cannot ignore the challenges our communities face back home.

Attorney General Garland, once again, welcome, and I look forward to your testimony and working with you on ensuring we provide what DOJ needs for fiscal year 2025.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.