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I'd like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for holding this hearing today. Chairman Cole, welcome back to the subcommittee. It's been my pleasure working with you on these issues in the past, and I look forward to working together, with Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member DeLauro, to continue funding these important investments. And to Secretary Burwell, we are pleased to have you here today.

Chief Dine, welcome back to the subcommittee.

First, I want to thank your department, officers and civilians, for the work they do to keep us safe.

Chief Dine, as you know better than most, your mission is of the utmost importance. We have to get it right.

In previous oversight hearings, this subcommittee has stressed the need to balance security with access.

I believe we must remain diligent in pursuit of that balance. I have noticed that access has improved post sequester. Even though every entrance has not returned, lines seem to be more manageable with fewer complaints from our constituents.

However, on the security side, it is impossible not to notice internal strife within the Department.

It is unfortunately playing out in public as officers feel more comfortable speaking to the press than its own leadership.

Secretary Kerry, welcome back. You continue to represent our country with passion and dedication, and I thank you for your tireless efforts. Since you were sworn in two years ago, you have worked diligently on both Middle East Peace and Iranian nuclear negotiations; faced nonstop crisis in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine; and consistently worked to counter terrorism and advocate for human rights and humanitarian needs.

Since the last time you testified, we have seen unspeakable atrocities committed by ISIL; terrorist attacks in the heart of Europe; multiple humanitarian disasters in Africa; devastating refugee crises even on our own southern border; anti-Semitism once again dangerously on the rise; and several countries on the brink of disintegration. Diplomacy and development are needed now more than ever to address these challenges and countless other global priorities.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is good to be here this afternoon at the first of the subcommittee's seven scheduled hearings.

As we begin hearings on the FY 2016 budget requests for the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Transportation, I would like to congratulate the Chairman on his new role. I look forward to working with you in this coming year, and I am hopeful that we can continue this subcommittee's history of bipartisanship, openness, and transparency.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Cuellar to the subcommittee, as well as the new Republican member, Mr. Jolly. We have a great roster this Congress, Mr. Chairman, and I want you to know that the Democratic Members are ready to get to work.

Secretary Kerry, welcome back. You continue to represent our country with passion and dedication, and I thank you for your tireless efforts. Since you were sworn in two years ago, you have worked diligently on both Middle East Peace and Iranian nuclear negotiations; faced nonstop crisis in Syria, Iraq, and Ukraine; and consistently worked to counter terrorism and advocate for human rights and humanitarian needs.

Since the last time you testified, we have seen unspeakable atrocities committed by ISIL; terrorist attacks in the heart of Europe; multiple humanitarian disasters in Africa; devastating refugee crises even on our own southern border; anti-Semitism once again dangerously on the rise; and several countries on the brink of disintegration. Diplomacy and development are needed now more than ever to address these challenges and countless other global priorities.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17), Ranking Democrat on the full Appropriations Committee, today announced united support of all 188 voting Democrats for their bill H.R. 861, a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security that does not include poison pill riders regarding the President's executive actions on immigration.

Mr. Lopez, welcome to your first hearing before the Subcommittee. I look forward to your testimony and thank you for joining us today.

The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for providing agricultural, municipal, and industrial water supply in the West. Economies, ecosystems, and communities all rely on the availability of clean water. At a time when demand is increasing and many regions have been hit by extended drought, the Bureau is being asked more and more to provide solutions to the West's water needs while being good stewards of our natural resources. I hope to hear today how the fiscal year 2016 budget request reflects this responsibility with a reduced budget.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), who has been recommended to be Ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, today introduced H.R. 861, a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security that does not include poison pill riders regarding the President's executive actions on immigration.