Statement : Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
April 4, 2019
Statement
This morning we welcome the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Christopher Wray, in his first appearance before the subcommittee to discuss the FBI’s fiscal year 2020 budget request and related issues.
April 3, 2019
Statement
"From eliminating Economic Development Administration grants, which provide funding and technical assistance to economically distressed communities, to seriously underfunding the Census, this request is completely out of touch with the needs of our constituents."
April 3, 2019
Statement
"I strongly believe in transparency and accountability. And that starts at the top of every government agency- including the Commerce Department. The Secretary has a lot of questions that he should answer directly."
March 27, 2019
Statement
As Acting Administrator, Dr. Jacobs oversees the agency’s $5.4 billion budget, which includes NOAA’s sea, air, land, and space observing platforms, and the critical environmental data they provide. He also covers the wet-side of NOAA and all of its work in fisheries and coastal management.
March 27, 2019
Statement
NASA is a great agency that has accomplished much over the last 60 years. A milestone in space flight occurred on July 20th, 1969, 50 years ago, when Americans, Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin, landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on the moon. At 4:17pm Eastern Standard Time, Armstrong became the first man to step onto the lunar surface – an inspiring accomplishment!
March 26, 2019
Statement
The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency charged with promoting basic research and education in science and engineering. In doing so, it is a major source of federal support for U.S. university research in the STEM fields. NSF’s investments in STEM education help train the next generation of scientists and engineers. As you know, Dr. Córdova, I am a strong supporter of NSF and believe that its programs help our Nation to be the world leader in major discoveries, innovations, and scientific breakthroughs.
March 13, 2019
Statement
There is an epidemic of gun violence in our nation, and this subcommittee has a key role to play in the urgently needed response, as we oversee the federal law enforcement agencies tasked with overseeing gun dealers, investigating gun crimes, and running our background check system, among other things.
That is why I am pleased to welcome our two witnesses today, Thomas Brandon, the Deputy Director and Head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, otherwise known as the ATF, and Christine Halvorsen, the Acting Assistant Director for Criminal Justice Information Services, or CJIS at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. CJIS, among other things, operates the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, more commonly known as NICS.
March 12, 2019
Statement
For more than 60 years, the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice has been a shining example to our nation. It has fought for marginalized communities, protected basic rights, and ensured justice for all communities. In communities of color, the Civil Rights Division holds a place of reverence that is well earned through a record of achievement. The mission of the division is essential to ensuring that ALL Americans receive equal protection under the law.
March 7, 2019
Statement
"The leadership at the Justice Department has attempted to turn our immigration courts into a sort of deportation DMV– where immigrants get minimal due process on their way out the door."
February 26, 2019
Statement
Both NOAA and NASA have critical missions. What they are observing both above and below us is affecting us in many ways. This hearing will help us learn from two leading experts about how our climate is changing, how that will impact our country and economy in the short and long-term, what research these agencies are conducting to help prepare us for the future, and how strategic investments from our subcommittee will help meet those challenges.