Ranking Member Espaillat Statement at Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Hearing for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service, Office of Congressional Workplace Rights and Congressional Office for International Leadership

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's fiscal year 2026 budget hearing for the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service, Office of Congressional Workplace Rights and Congressional Office for International Leadership:

Good morning. Thank you, Chairman Valadao.

Ms. Sargus, Dr. Pugh, and Mr. Crane. Thank you all for testifying today on behalf of your Agencies. Your agencies play a vital role in advancing workplace rights and providing future Leaders with the tools required to develop and support Democracy. 

As the first and only Dominican American to serve in Congress, I continue to be encouraged by the international outreach of COIL to share American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy. Now more than ever, I believe that it is vital to maintain our connections with our global partners to exchange best practices and strengthen mutual understanding. Doing so ensures that we continue to build on our nation’s foundation as a melting pot and diverse nation. 

I also believe that the Stennis Center has been instrumental in connecting new generations to the public service workforce. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has fired more than 121,000 federal employees across 30 agencies, which may dissuade new generations’ interest in public service. I am curious to hear how this has impacted the Stennis Center’s mission. 

The COIL and the Stennis Center’s budgets have remained relatively flat for several years, and OCWR has only received modest increases. 

Given today’s climate, I am interested in hearing about your resource needs for the fiscal year 2026 and any services to Congress that will be jeopardized if your budgets remain flat or suffer a budget cut.

Thank you all again for being here and I yield back. 

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