Statements

This subcommittee can and must do more to lift up our nation’s most vulnerable so that every person, no matter their background or zip code, has the opportunity to contribute, succeed and prosper. This means strengthening the programs we just spoke about, not gutting them.

"Even if there’s a world where funding for veterans health care is held harmless, that would only further devastate the rest of the nondefense discretionary programs that veterans rely on outside of VA – like homelessness programs, job training and employment resources, and transportation resources."

"The mission of the Justice Department is vast and broad. There is no shortage of topics I know we will discuss here today: enforcing and upholding the rule of law; support for State, local, and tribal law enforcement; combatting drug trafficking networks to keep dangerous narcotics out of our communities; defense of our national security and mitigation of emerging foreign and domestic threats, including cyber threats. I know we’ll hear of the critical tasks the Department is carrying out, including preservation of civil liberties and support for free and fair elections; protection of vulnerable populations exposed to domestic and community violence; and safeguarding our commerce and economy."