Statement : Defense
June 22, 2022
Statement
“As we begin to debate this bill and move it through committee consideration, I want to make it abundantly clear that the topline funding level in this bill is in line with President Biden’s budget request and endorsed by Secretary of Defense General Austin when he testified before our committee earlier this year. It was developed with the deepest concern for our national security and with a commitment to protect our nation and to confront any threat that may come our way."
June 22, 2022
Statement
"This bill was written to strengthen our existing force, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians and give them the tools they need to do their jobs safely and come home to their families."
June 15, 2022
Statement
"This defense bill totals $762 billion. It is $32 billion above the 2022 enacted level and roughly equal to the President’s request. Ken and I received more than 10,000 program, language, and project requests from our colleagues. One of the things that make our Appropriations Committee so special in Congress is that we go to great lengths to incorporate our member priorities. This year we were able to at least partially accommodate 73% of the requests we received, including 65% from our colleagues in the minority."
June 15, 2022
Statement
"The investments in this bill are robust, and they are exactly what we need to continue protecting our nation. As threats against our national security and against global democracy grow, this bill will ensure we have the resources necessary to protect ourselves and support our allies while honoring the men and women who so bravely and selflessly serve our nation."
May 26, 2022
Statement
"It is critically important that this subcommittee remain engaged because environmental cleanup is directly relevant to every single state in our nation and in many of the Congressional Districts that we represent."
May 26, 2022
Statement
"It is critically important that this subcommittee remain engaged because environmental cleanup is directly relevant to every single state in our nation and in many of the Congressional Districts that we represent."
May 25, 2022
Statement
"This Committee remains focused on ensuring that the reforms do not prescribe a less than optimal military health system for our service members and their families."
May 24, 2022
Statement
"Our National Guard forces are called upon to support a variety of missions, including humanitarian missions, acts of civil unrest, support to the Southwest border, and overseas operations – to include partnering with and training Ukrainian forces. Each member of this Committee is so appreciative of your tireless efforts."
May 18, 2022
Statement
"We must better understand what the Navy is doing to ensure Sailors, Marines, and their families have the support they need to do the extraordinary job we ask of them."
May 17, 2022
Statement
"Congress will be a partner in ensuring you have the capabilities you need, and we look forward to a transparent and open dialogue as we examine the budget request."