▶ 0:10:03Will come to order. Uh, welcome. Uh, good morning, everybody, to the subcommittee. For fy 27, labor, health and human services, education and related agencies, uh, corporation bill. Um, I want to welcome, uh, chairman cole. Uh, good to have you here today. And, um, we will look forward. And also ranking member delauro, um, who slipped in on me. So that's good. Uh, it's good to have her here, as always. And she's been a great partner on this bill, so. Uh, but good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
▶ 0:10:32Um, we will we will come to order. And I want to thank everyone for arriving so early, uh, this friday morning. Uh, and the bill before you today, I think, balances the need for responsible fiscal stewardship, uh, while maintaining key investments in biomedical research, america's schools, and the core public health. Following the president's directions, we have taken a close line by line. Look at every program that's funded in this bill.
▶ 0:11:00And in several cases, we had to make some difficult decisions on some so-called things that are nice to have programs. Uh, we in congress, we have to rank, uh, what our resources are to where our greatest need for the nation and, uh, not, uh, to the programs that while they're very well intended and, um, and sometimes there I, I will go there very well intended.
▶ 0:11:25Uh, but we have limited resources and, uh, they'll make limited impact. And so we have to take that into account. While the bill reduces several programs and proposes many for elimination, it also increases support for america's biodefense infrastructure, provides long needed lifelines for rural hospitals, and necessary funds for basic science.
▶ 0:11:49The bill also responsibly addresses a shortfall in pell grants, while providing a modest increase to students who receive pell grants. The bill includes provisions that end senseless diversity, equity and inclusion policies and builds on the success of the big beautiful bill by eliminating funding for planned parenthood. Moreover, it also protects the rights of women and girls to play sports and prohibits federal funding for sex rejecting procedures and services.
▶ 0:12:17The bill maintains the long standing hyde amendment to ensure that taxpayer funds are not used for abortion on demand, and that no one is forced to participate in abortion or refer one to a for abortion under federal programs. Uh, and let me be honest, this isn't a right wing extreme policy. This is a mainstream public opinion. The bill also, once again includes community project funding for numerous health care facilities.
▶ 0:12:44Uh, I want to thank all of the members of the committee for working on to make this change. And I'm proud that effort to bring back this source of support for hospitals, for health centers and other safety net providers are included. Uh, thank you, chairman cole. Um, and of course, also ranking member delauro.
▶ 0:13:04I want to thank, uh, catherine solomon and the, uh, all the committee staffs on both sides of the aisle, uh, for their work, as well as my fellow committee members on, on both sides of the aisle. Uh, also your, uh, personal offices were very helpful in making sure that we crafted the bill that we have here as we move forward. Um, it's taken several weeks to get here, and I appreciate all the work that's gone into making this bill.
▶ 0:13:31Obviously, we will have different opinions about the some of the policies in this bill, both related to spending on federal programs and also the legislative provisions. Uh, but we'll have ample opportunity to address those differences in full committee markup. And I want to remind everyone that we are all elected to represent the views of our constituents, and can do so in a manner that is respectful. And with that, I look forward to a continued discussion of these issues in the full committee markup.
▶ 0:13:56I would now like to recognize ranking member delauro for her opening remarks. >> thank you very much, Mr. chairman. And, uh, uh, chairman cole, just, uh, it's good to be here this morning, uh, dealing with the labor hhs appropriations bill and, uh, where I think it's the, you know, the center of whatever it is that the congress does with regard to the overall lives of people in this nation at this
▶ 0:14:28Bill touches on every single aspect of their lives. And so, uh, I view it as a critical, uh, effort for all of us. And I thank you for the, uh, the work on, on the bill. I also want to say a thank you, the subcommittee staff, for all of their work. Steven steigleder, jackie kilroy, lori migden, philip touzani, uh, from the minority side.
▶ 0:14:51Catherine salmon, uh, emily goff, kirk boyle, uh, jaime varela, michaela boudreau, and alexandra vandewalle on the majority side, thank you for all the work that you do. Uh, before I make my comments on the bill, I want to acknowledge that I believe it's the last subcommittee, uh, uh, markup for Mr. hoyer and, uh, for, uh, miss watson and watson coleman here.
▶ 0:15:19So, um, and I just want to say thank you to both of them for, for their work and study. You were on this committee of the labor hhs subcommittee, uh, long before I got on to the committee and so forth. So you have a great history, uh, with this effort, and it's been a privilege to work with you on these efforts and these issues, which I know are so near and dear to your heart and you will be missed.
▶ 0:15:44Uh, you know, in this, in, in this body for, you know, the, uh, the values and the attributes that you have brought from your years of experience in public service. So thank you very, very much. And to our colleague bonnie watson coleman, uh, I would just say she's a force to be reckoned with. Uh, I think she faces, uh, as she approaches her work with great compassion and with great moral clarity. I might, I might add.
▶ 0:16:11So, uh, thank you for being such a fierce advocate. Uh, for those who, uh, oftentimes don't have a voice in what is happening. We will miss you on this committee. So my congratulations to the two of you for remarkable, remarkable careers. And we still have work to do, uh, in the next several months. So, uh, and now on to the, the business before us this morning.
▶ 0:16:37Um, I think it doesn't come as a surprise that I am opposed to the bill that we are considering today. Uh, I think a americans and I think I know americans are struggling to afford everything from gasoline to groceries, from utilities to health insurance, mortgage payments to medical bills. But instead of doing anything to address the affordability crisis, which is a real crisis, it's not a hoax. It's not a con job. As the president claims, this bill makes the problem even worse.
▶ 0:17:09Health care costs are going up. Hospitals are shutting down the president's signature piece of legislation, the one big, beautiful bill cut medicaid and nutrition assistance by $1.2 trillion. It will push 15 million americans off their health insurance and all of this just to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and for the biggest corporations, the president said. We do not have the money for daycare, for medicare and medicaid because, quote, we are fighting wars, end quote.
▶ 0:17:38The president wants to increase the defense budget by half $1 trillion. Meanwhile, this bill cuts funding for education, public health, reproductive health, and job training. Horace mann called education, and I quote, the great equalizer lyndon johnson called it, and I quote, the only passport from poverty. Fdr called it, quote, the real safeguard of democracy, end quote.
▶ 0:18:04The belief in education as an inalienable right is woven into the fabric of our country. It is a promise we make to each succeeding generation that they will be better off than the last. Yet this bill cuts $8 billion, 10% from the department of education. That includes a $2 billion cut to title one grants, which will put tens of thousands of teachers out of their classrooms, leave countless children with a worse education.
▶ 0:18:33This is a step down the path toward eliminating public education in this nation, but I believe that that is the ultimate goal of the majority. As new technology upends the workforce and inflation outpaces wage growth, this bill eviscerates funding for employment and training programs by $3.3 billion, one third below the 2026 level.
▶ 0:18:58It eliminates funding for adult and youth job training entirely, while cutting funding for the job corps in half. This bill cuts funding for health and human service programs by $4.5 billion, including a $1 billion cut to the centers for disease control and prevention.
▶ 0:19:18The majority of these cuts target programs that combat the hiv aids epidemic, jeopardizing the extraordinary progress we have made toward defeating this disease. The recent ebola outbreak threatens to become the deadliest in history, but this bill leaves funding for the cdc, the global health, out of activity stagnant, which will not be nearly enough to sustain our global presence. After the state department's decision to restructure the pepfar program.
▶ 0:19:47This bill continues a decades long republican crusade against women's reproductive health. Even now, years after roe was overturned, they are still pushing to restrict access to reproductive care. Regardless of what state you are in.
▶ 0:20:02The bill cuts funding for title ten family planning, leaving 2.6 million men and women without access to preventive care services, including cancer screening, diabetes screenings, mental health services and contraception. It eliminates the teen pregnancy prevention program entirely, and it includes dozens of partizan provisions that target reproductive health care access.
▶ 0:20:28And as if the the health care cuts and the big beautiful bill were not enough, this bill cuts $2 billion in operations funding from the affordable care act marketplace, threatening health care coverage for millions of americans. Even if you qualify for an affordable plan through the program, you will have a harder time accessing it. The trump administration and house republicans are squeezing american families from both ends.
▶ 0:20:52Increasing costs of daily necessities while hollowing out health, education, nutrition, and housing programs that help families make ends meet. Despite these objections, and I would just say very honestly, there are some bright spots in this bill that deserve recognition.
▶ 0:21:12First, I'm glad to see the overall funding level for the national institutes of health is increased under this bill, especially targeted increases for research on cancer, alzheimer's, als, diabetes, women's health, and rare diseases. Second, during our subcommittee hearing on the science of reading earlier this year, I called for this committee to reestablish a national reading panel to explore ways to improve how we teach our children to read.
▶ 0:21:36I am pleased that this committee has answered that call, and I want to commend congressman harder for his advocacy on this issue. I support these provisions and applaud their inclusion. However, I remain overwhelmingly opposed to the legislation as a whole. Taken together, the bill undermines education, it jeopardizes public health, and it limits workers opportunities.
▶ 0:22:02It does nothing to address the rising cost of living, while stripping away crucial support that helps families who are navigating and affordability crisis. I encourage a no vote on this legislation, call on my republican colleagues to work with democrats to craft a bill that meets the needs that the american people are facing. Thank you, and I yield back. >> thank you, ranking member delauro.
▶ 0:22:28I would now like to recognize the distinguished chairman of the committee, Mr. cole, for his remarks. >> thank you very much, Mr. chairman. Before I get to my formal remarks, I want to associate myself with my good friend, the ranking member, about Mr. hoyer and miss watson coleman. Uh, we're going to really miss you guys now, not every day. And maybe not and not in every debate, because you both are so good at what you do.
▶ 0:22:55Uh, but, uh, I remember, uh, obviously, uh, you know, Mr. I had the opportunity to work with you in many capacities over many years. But, bonnie, when you were coming on the committee, rosa was telling me you were going to really like her most of the time. And when you don't like her, I'm going to love her. So, uh, I just, uh, I appreciate both of you for your service to this committee, in particular, your advocacy for worthy causes.
▶ 0:23:22And quite frankly, you both have just been terrific members of congress. And your constituents could be and are extraordinarily proud of the service you've rendered to them and to the rest of the country, and certainly to this committee. So just thank both of you very, very much. Uh, and thank you. Uh, you know, chairman aderholt, this is a good bill, and I want to thank my friend, ranking member delauro, all the subcommittee members as well.
▶ 0:23:51Uh, again, I'll add parenthetically, this is where we always start. We're never on the same side at the beginning. But my friend, the ranking member and I, and I know the chairman of this subcommittee and the ranking member have come to deals before. Uh, they've worked toward one another. And I think both of you have set us up to do that again. We'll have our differences, we'll have our clashes. But I'm hopeful we can do, uh, madam ranking member, what we did, uh, in the four years you were chair.
▶ 0:24:18When I served on this committee, the four years I was chair, we started in different places every time, but we got to the same place every time. And I think, uh, you you two managed to pull that off, uh, as well last year, and hopefully we can do that again. I'll start by saying that the significance of labor, health and human services and education bill is something I know well, having spent several years leading the subcommittee, I have a deep appreciation for both the scope of this bill and the obligations that come with it.
▶ 0:24:50Uh, chairman aderholt has embraced that responsibility, crafting legislation that invests in critical priorities while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. At its core, the fy 27 bill is about investing in the well-being and potential of america. Uh, think about the people whose futures are shaped by the investments in this measure.
▶ 0:25:11The researcher searching for a breakthrough treatment, the student preparing for a career, the parent relying on a rural hospital, the worker learning a new trade. Their success strengthens our communities and ultimately our country. This legislation invests in the biomedical research that keeps america at the forefront of discovery and innovation.
▶ 0:25:33It strengthens public health preparedness and biodefense capabilities, and it advances educational opportunities and high quality care for rural america. At the same time, it recognizes that we owe taxpayers more than good intentions. We owe them real results. That means focusing resources on programs that deliverable measurable outcomes, eliminating duplication and restoring agencies to their core missions.
▶ 0:25:59It's why we advance merit based opportunity, protect parental rights, uphold longstanding protections for unborn babies, and ensure that federal resources serve the american people rather than ideological agendas. This is a bill that balances investment with accountability. It recognizes that fiscal responsibility and national progress are not competing priorities. They are complementary ones.
▶ 0:26:25By supporting medical innovation, educational achievement, workforce readiness and stronger communities. This measure comprehensively prepares our nation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Again, I thank chairman aderholt and ranking member delauro and the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work. I look forward to consideration and advancement of today's measure. And with that, Mr. chairman, I yield back. >> thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:26:52And, um and let me just add that my, uh, to the chorus about congressman hoyer and congresswoman bonnie watson coleman. Uh, we do hate to see you leave. I mean, I have got to know both of these individuals in different capacities.
▶ 0:27:08Uh, congressman hoyer, through the osce helsinki commission, we we've worked on that, uh, and we're able to travel to representing the united states and, uh, and several times and then, uh, I've also served as, uh, we both serve on the semiquincentennial commission bonnie watson coleman and have worked together on some legislation as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the united states of america. So, uh, both of these individuals will be missed.
▶ 0:27:37And, uh, we wish them the best, but we hope we will see them often and they will be around. And, uh, we look forward to the next chapter of their lives. Um, does any other members wish to make opening remarks? Yes, ma'am. >> okay. Actually. >> when I got up this morning, it was a beautiful day. I was going to come in here quiet and smile. Right. I thought that was a long time.
▶ 0:28:07But then I read this and I. And I am mad as hell. I cannot believe what I see. This is a war on women and girls. Title ten zeroed out health care taken from almost 3 million people. This is our family planning money.
▶ 0:28:31And not only that, preventative care, cancer screening, diabetes, keeping people healthy, mostly people who are very poor or uninsured. But that wasn't enough. Zeroing out teen pregnancy prevention. Okay. Let's see. I know you're against abortion. That's one thing. But forced pregnancy, that's another thing.
▶ 0:28:56And lastly, not lastly, I go to another page. Almost cutting in half the office on women's health within hhs. It's a this is a war. It's a war on women. And you know what? We're not going to take it. And I just hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle and I have many.
▶ 0:29:22I think if you are a woman or you love a woman, you have a daughter, you have a sister, a mother, a cousin, an aunt. Let's keep them healthy. And I just really hope, uh, Mr. chair, that we can really rethink these cuts and we'll work hard to help you do that, I yield back. >> thank you for your comments. Any other comments? Um. You want to do them? Yeah.
▶ 0:29:51Um, before we, we go to the amendment process. Uh, let me also, uh, I, I also want to recognize another member that is with us that is leaving. Um, and well, we're not sure if she's actually leaving, but.
▶ 0:30:08Julia letlow, um, she may be just moving, um, down the hallway, but, um, she, uh, she is, uh, you know, I don't really think of you retiring because of, of your youth and, uh, but I know you're in, uh, just moving down the hallway, so, uh, but we. But julia letlow will be leaving us, um, after this term as well. And we appreciate her service not only to the congress, but also to this committee and as vice chair of this, of this subcommittee. So, uh, julia, we wish you the best.
▶ 0:30:38And, and just remember when, uh, you get to, uh, the, if someone says that you're now in the upper body, just remind you it's the other body, not the upper body. Yes. So, uh, but, uh, we, we do appreciate your service, uh, congresswoman letlow and, uh, we, uh, like I said, you're, you're a little bit different position because we, we may be seeing a lot of you.
▶ 0:31:08Uh, so, uh, we look forward to continue to work with you and your in your new role. >> jim, would you recognize me to join. >> us, please? Yes. >> you know, there's only, uh, I sit on the steering committee. And so you see on our side of the aisle, you see a lot of members that want to come to committees, and a lot of them want to come to this committee in particular. And that's always a privilege. But only two people in all the years I've been on a steering committee over 20 years, ever came to me and said, I want to go. These are republicans.
▶ 0:31:36Be a little different on your side of the aisle, madam ranking member, but I want to go to approach. And is there any way I can get on labor? H and one of them was letlow and the other was molinar and they were sitting right there. I said, you're kidding me. I said, you're on, you're on. You have my vote. Uh, because too many of our members, uh, you know, it's, uh, it's, uh, you know, well, look, every, every side, uh, look, defense doesn't seem to be quite as high a priority on your side.
▶ 0:32:04So every party has different committees, but, uh, you've just done such a wonderful job. And unlike my friends, Mr. hoyer and miss watson coleman, uh, I know, given where I know you're going, you are going to miss us as much as we miss you. You're going to long for coming back here, uh, where we can actually get to a point and, and, uh, and make a decisions. But, uh, no question, our loss as the senate's gain.
▶ 0:32:33And, uh, we wish you well in that endeavor. I'm sure you're going to be successful. Uh, you've done a stellar job on our side of the aisle, to say the least. Not to mention, you have friends on both sides of the aisle. And, uh, you have a natural talent for bringing people together and getting things done. And, uh, they, you know, as much as we need that here, they need it even more in the senate right now. So again, I wish you well in that, but thank you for all you've done here. You bet. Yield back. >> thank you.
▶ 0:33:01Um, any more opening comments anyone like to make, Mr. hoyer? >> first of all, Mr. chairman, I'm very distressed at you. Were not surprised with my retirement because of my age. >> and what was a little surprised. >> I know the young miss letlow who is going to the. As the ranking member said, the dark side.
▶ 0:33:29Uh, the opposition is opposed to the enemy. Your side is the opposition. We're the opposition to you, but the senate, uh, that's that's a whole nother story. But, chairman, I want to thank the members of the staff.
▶ 0:33:45Uh, we are blessed in the congress of the united states with having some people who are willing to work very long hours at less than their talent and academic achievement and intellect would warrant in the private sector. And I know that because almost everybody who ever leaves my staff makes more money immediately as they walk out the door.
▶ 0:34:13Uh, and so we're blessed to have the american people are blessed to have them. Uh, and so I want to thank all of them collectively. I won't mention names and ranking member went through those names. I also appreciate Mr. aderholt and I have worked together for a long period of time. He said.
▶ 0:34:32A couple of trips, I'm sure it's probably more close to, uh, a double digit number of trips that we took during our careers on the organization on security and co-operation in europe's helsinki commission.
▶ 0:34:44And robert aderholt has been an extraordinarily strong voice for people around the world who were suffering from despotism and, uh, human rights, deprivations, civil rights, deprivations, uh, and argued for the helsinki principles. And I've always been pleased to be with him on those trips.
▶ 0:35:09Uh, I've been on this committee since january of 1983. I obviously had 20 years leave of absence from the committee. Uh, but it was a committee I chose when I first got on the committee. Uh, I've never regretted that decision. I did it because, uh, I have been a very strong supporter indication.
▶ 0:35:37My wife was an educator, uh, my first wife, she died in 1997. Uh, and she was an early childhood educator. Uh, kindergarten, first grade. And then she was the supervisor of early childhood education in our county, our county, prince george county, was a county of about 800,000. That's about a million, uh, people. So a lot of elementary schools from kindergarten to third grade. And she started full service schools.
▶ 0:36:06I'm going to offer an amendment on that for early childhood. Uh, there are now 101 judy centers throughout the state of maryland. And I, where I go in the state, people come up to me and say, you know, can we get a judy center in our community? Uh, so this has been a committee, which has really been the central part of my consideration as to what we wanted to do. I served under a gentleman named bill natcher.
▶ 0:36:37Uh, he was the chairman when I came to the committee. He was an extraordinary individual. He averaged spending about $75 per election cycle. He came from the sixth district of kentucky. Um, he was an extraordinary man, very taciturn in many ways.
▶ 0:36:59Uh, but he articulated the central theme of what I think this committee stands for. And he would every time we got up, uh, he would say, as long as we take care of the education of our children and the health of our people, we will continue to be the strongest and best nation on earth.
▶ 0:37:20I repeat that because I think this committee is very much about the security and success of the united states. We look at the defense bill as the bill, which maintains our security, but our long term security is really sustained by the education of our children and the health of our people.
▶ 0:37:43Uh, in that context, uh, I'm disappointed with what's been happening with this bill over the last number of years, because I served on this committee with a number of republican chairman and a lot of democratic chairman. Uh, I told people in my service on this committee, there were 13, uh, eight democrats and five republicans for the most part.
▶ 0:38:11And I tell people, you could have taken the 13 of us, thrown us up in the air and have had us come down, uh, in random seats and had a markup. And very frankly, you would have had a hard time determining who was the republican or who was the democrat. Silvio conti was the first ranking member. I don't know that any of you served, have served, served with sylvia.
▶ 0:38:35He represented western, uh, massachusetts, the furthest west district. I'm not sure richard neal represents that district now, but, uh, in any event, he was a very strong supporter.
▶ 0:38:49And then some of you may have served with john porter, uh, john porter, uh, was a very strong supporter and in fact, had as an objective over five years to double the nih budget because he believed that the, uh, the money you spent at nih would, would create a great savings in the health care system. I agreed with that. And most of the committee agreed with that.
▶ 0:39:16And we did, in fact, double it, uh, in nominal terms, I don't think in really real terms, we didn't get to double. But the fact of the matter was, my point is he believed in investment in health and in education. This bill, uh, I share the ranking members view and I share the view of the.
▶ 0:39:41I'm sure miss coleman and certainly miss frankel, on the fact that we are disinvesting in too many areas. We're cutting $3.7 billion in the department of labor, 4 billion in h.r. And 8.1 billion cut from department of education. I think in many areas we are back to less than we were investing in 23 fiscal year 23.
▶ 0:40:08Oh, ultimately, that has. A cost. It has a cost because for the most part, uh, five year olds are in kindergarten.
▶ 0:40:25Once six year olds are in first grade, once for the most part, and repeatedly, uh, our children have single experiences in one grade or another. And to the extent that we disinvest in any one of those years, our children are not doing as well as they need to do for all of us, for our country.
▶ 0:40:48Uh, and so I will be offering two amendments, both of which deal with investing in children, uh, and in full service schools. Uh, full service schools were funded, I don't know on staff can correct me on that, but I know last year at 150 million, but I don't know how far that went back. I don't know, essentially, it's been frozen.
▶ 0:41:18Does anybody know off the top of your head. >> so the last increase was fiscal year 2023. >> yes. So this in 2023, we had, uh, we're now doing fiscal year 27. Uh, we've frozen, but this year we zero fund it, zero funded. Those children are disappearing. Uh, the necessity to have full service. What does full service means?
▶ 0:41:46It means not just education, but it also means the other services that children need. They need health services. Uh, we built these schools for a lot of money. I know I've taken too much time, Mr. chairman. I'm going to stop pretty soon. We spend a lot of money on these children. You're not going to miss me so much. Spend a lot of money on these schools.
▶ 0:42:11And too often the schools are used for one purpose. But they're really community places where health care, uh, full services for parents can be provided, uh, so that children can be housed in safe places.
▶ 0:42:29My point is that this bill, as natcher said, is about the security of our country, the health of our children, the health of our families, and the education of our children. So I'm going to be offering two amendments. Why do I offer these amendments?
▶ 0:42:48Uh, probably because I'm crazy because, uh, we're not going to adopt any amendment in this committee because we don't do that in subcommittees. And, Mr. chairman, you know, I feel that that's, uh, undermining the importance of subcommittees and the importance of those who the chairman and the ranking member have said frequently we rely on the expertise of our subcommittees.
▶ 0:43:17I don't agree with that proposition. And the reason I don't agree with it, because we do not discuss as a collective, not just republican or democrat, but as the committee members. We do not discuss the priorities of this bill because we come here. The bill is written and we report it to the full committee, but we don't consider the bill. We don't mark it up.
▶ 0:43:45A mark it up means doing something which the full committee does do, and we consider amendments. I think that's frankly, Mr. chairman, uh, under-utilizing the expertise that we ought to have. And lastly, let me say, uh, Mr.
▶ 0:44:05Chairman, I appreciate the fact that you have had a number of hearings, but I will tell you, uh, and doctor harris, uh, I think hopefully you would be concerned about this as well. When I first served on the committee for a long period of time, we heard from every nih director. It was an extraordinary educational experience for all of us.
▶ 0:44:29And we had the opportunity to question them as to if we don't invest another million dollars, what is the cost of that disinvestment from those directors? We don't do that. As a matter of fact, we had a relatively very short hearing with the director of nih, who has a budget when in the neighborhood of $40 billion plus.
▶ 0:44:57Uh, I think that is not doing our work in a way that is beneficial to the full committee, to the full congress and to the country. Uh, because we don't have the knowledge that they can impart to us. And therefore, Mr. chairman, I let me say I appreciate the kind words of the chairman of yourself.
▶ 0:45:21Uh, miss delauro, um, but I would hope that all of you would think carefully in the years ahead as to what this subcommittee really ought to be doing and what, Mr. chairman, every subcommittee ought to be doing in my own subcommittee, where I'm the ranking member. Uh, we've had two hearings. We have had no hearings since marked up the bill. And we marked up the bill without a 302 a so we don't really know the 302 b excuse me.
▶ 0:45:49We don't didn't know at that point in time. And we don't know. When we don't consider all the 302 b's at one period of time. What committee needs, what source and does defense need so much that labor health gets less? Does labor get labor health get so much that defense doesn't get what it needs?
▶ 0:46:16If we don't have that full discussion and we simply, uh, sporadically adopt 302 b's, I think it does not serve us well. I yield back the balance of my time and thank you. >> uh, Mr. Mr. simpson is recognized. >> thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:46:35I just have a couple things to say, and I, I will I will keep it within my time limit, but I certainly knows how much I like him and how much we get along and stuff. And I really appreciate the history lessons. Uh, but I'm pretty sure that if we took all of us right now and threw us all up in the air and came down, you wouldn't be able to tell which ones are republicans and which ones are democrats. Maybe it's different than.
▶ 0:47:02Maybe it's different than it was in times gone by. I'm sure that's true. I wish we could get back to a time when we actually the subcommittee actually did all day markups, sometimes two days when you actually got in and we discussed it. And the subcommittee became the advocate for the bill that came out of it. Now, I know that it's challenging. Uh, but it would be nice, actually to get back to that at some point in time. Uh, but chairman aderholt, I want to thank you for what you've done in this bill.
▶ 0:47:31Uh, we've heard the criticisms and, you know, no matter what you did in this bill, there would be some criticisms from some corner. Uh, but you did work with me, uh, dealing with dental health, being one of the few dentists in congress. Very important issue to me. Uh, and I know that you've done some really good things in here, and I want to thank you and your staff for that. Working with me on the trio program, something that I think is supported by almost every member of this subcommittee, uh, to make sure that trio continues as, as it was originally intended.
▶ 0:48:01And I know that you've been working with that and meeting with me and your staff's done a great job on that. And I appreciate the work that you've done in that in that arena. This is, you know, this is a complicated building, right? It's never perfect. Even when chairman cole wrote it, it was never perfect, but it was a pretty damn good bill.
▶ 0:48:22And you have maybe the biggest task of anybody trying to follow up, uh, chairman cole and, uh, ranking member delauro as chairman of this committee. The the it's a perfect bill when you wrote it, I know, uh, but, uh, they work together marvelously trying to get together, uh, bill. And they did it every year that they were, that they were chairman and ranking member.
▶ 0:48:47And I know that you're working in that same goal, and you were able to come up with a bill last year that could be agreed upon. And I know we'll end up that way this year, too. So, uh, I think that you and the staff have done a wonderful job on this bill, trying to trying to address the issues of, uh, member that issues of concern of members of the subcommittee. So thank you for all the work, but particularly thank the staff for all the work on this. >> yeah. Thank you, chairman simpson. I'll as, uh, anyone have an amendment? >> I have a.
▶ 0:49:18>> oh, there is amendment. Uh, uh, we do we have amendment. Okay. Uh, there's amendment. The desk, the clerk will read the amendment. >> on page 139 on line five, after the dollar amount insert increased by 150 million in the report on page 267, strike the paragraph following the header full service community schools and insert the following. The committee recommends 150 million for full service community schools, which is equal to the fiscal year 2026 enacted level.
▶ 0:49:48This program makes competitive grants to support school based, comprehensive services for students, families and communities such as mental health and nutrition services. >> the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. >> well, I'm going to take five minutes because, uh. >> that came from your side, not.
▶ 0:50:22>> I am going to be here for another six months. Just saying. Nobody's listening. And I say that respectfully. As you see in the full committee, um, we don't pay attention to one another because it's foreordained that this amendment, no matter the merits of this amendment, will lose.
▶ 0:50:53We'll vote along party lines on our side and your side. Uh, but this. Particular provision has been one that I think almost every chairman has been a real supporter of. And I know rosa delauro and I have worked very, very hard on this particular issue. And we have been pretty successful consistently. Why? Because this is about children who are struggling.
▶ 0:51:21Lois frankel talked about women. These are about the the the neediest kids. This is about kids who were either going to invest in at the early part of their life, or going to invest a lot in the later part of their life.
▶ 0:51:48Frederick douglass, who grew up in doctor harris's district a slave and then became one of america's great leaders, said it is easier to build strong children than it is to repair broken men. Ted agnew said it a different way.
▶ 0:52:09Uh, he and I went to the maryland government at the same time in 1966, he said the cost of failure far exceeds the price of progress. Well known what he meant by that. If we do not invest in our children early, particularly our neediest children, our most economically deprived children, children who grow up in really tough circumstances, if we don't invest in them now, we're going to invest in them later.
▶ 0:52:39We're going to put them in prison, going to have deep mental health problems. They're not going to be taxpayers. They're going to be tax takers. I know I said I'd only take five minutes harder. So I offer this amendment. Uh, it's not an increase. It keeps us even of what we're investing around the country in.
▶ 0:53:08The toughest challenges we have in education. I'm not even going to ask for a vote that'll save a little bit of time, but it will not save the children. I yield back. >> thank you, Mr. hoyer. Does any other member seek recognition on amendment? If no further debate? The amendment.
▶ 0:53:40Okay. The the amendment is withdrawn. And is there any other amendments? >> I have a second amendment, uh, which also. >> gentleman is recognized for five minutes or is there's amendment at the desk. Okay. The clerk will report the amendment. >> that little thing on the phone. >> yeah, I do. >> okay.
▶ 0:54:04>> on page 87, line 16, after the dollar amount insert increased by 315 million on page two of three, strike the paragraph following the header preschool development grants and insert the following. The committee recommends 315 million for preschool development grants, which is equal to the fiscal year 2026 enacted level. These grants build state and local capacity to provide early childhood care and education for children birth through five from low and moderate income families.
▶ 0:54:30>> this makes a total of $465 million that we're cutting out of this budget, which go directly to the children that I just talked about. I think that's, uh, a bad disinvestment for our country and for what natcher talked about, uh, the security of our country by making sure that our children and our families, health and education is addressed.
▶ 0:54:59Uh, I'm not going to ask for a vote on this one either, because I know the result would be foreordained. And we will say, well, that exceeds our 402 b. Considering our 402 b or 302 b ought to be a major consideration from the top number, and we have a hard time reaching the top number because we can't pass budgets on either
▶ 0:55:30Side of the aisle. We didn't pass budgets. Sometimes you don't pass budgets. Uh, because getting to that number is hard. But if you don't deal with that number at the beginning and determine whether or not your priorities are going to be met in committee a or subcommittee b or c or d, you're really flying blind. And I think that's what we're doing. And I would hope we would. You would all work. I won't be here. You won't have to hear me.
▶ 0:55:56Uh, go on and drones about this different kind of droning. Uh, but, uh, I think for the sake of the committee and the country, all of you who are going to remain here ought to focus on this. I yield back and withdraw the amendment. >> thank you. Thank you, Mr. chair hoyer. And, um, any other one like to speak on the amendment? Oh. >> Mr. chairman, I don't want to speak on the amendments. Mr. hoyer has covered it.
▶ 0:56:24I just want to I want to say thank you to him for his, uh, deep commitment and, uh, to what happens in the lives of children in this country and that this committee is the vehicle through which we can help to make a difference in the lives of children. So I thank you for that, Mr. hoyer. >> oh, any other amendments? Seeing no further amendments? And I recognize Mr. simpson for the purpose of making a motion. >> Mr.
▶ 0:56:52Chairman, I move that the bill be favorably reported to the full committee. >> the question is on the motion. Those in favor say aye. >> aye. >> those opposed? No. The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Uh, ranking member. A recorded vote has been requested. Uh, and those in favor of recorded vote raise your hands. Uh, sufficient number of support. Uh, a recorded vote is ordered. The clerk will call the roll.
▶ 0:57:22>> Mr. aderholt. >> I Mr. >> Mr. clyde, Mr. cole, I miss delauro. No. Mr. edwards. Mr. fleischmann, I miss frankel, Mr. harter. No. Doctor. Harris. Mr. hoyer. Mr. mulliner, I. Mr.
▶ 0:57:56Pocan. Mr. simpson. I. Miss. Watson. Coleman. Mr. ellzey. Miss. Bice. Oh. Mr. moore. Miss. Dean. Miss. Ludlow.
▶ 0:58:31>> does any member wish to record their vote or change their vote? >> yes. >> 11.
▶ 0:59:17>> okay. On this vote the eyes are 11. The nos are seven. The amendment is not adopted. All the. >> the motion. >> the motion I'm reading for the wrong page. So. >> I withdraw.
▶ 0:59:48>> tougher than I thought. >> the bill is. The bill is now favorably reported to to the full committee. I ask unanimous consent that the staff be permitted to make technical and conforming changes to the bill and to the report, without objection. So ordered. Uh, and of course, copies of the bill are at your table. And, uh, thank you very much for everyone for being here this morning.
▶ 1:00:14And especially bright and early at 8:00 on a friday morning. And at that, the committee stands adjourned.
▶ 1:09:10>> the subcommittee. >> on homeland security will come to order. Welcome to the subcommittee markup for fiscal year 2027 homeland security appropriations bill. I would like to welcome the full committee chairman, Mr. cole, and ranking member delauro and all subcommittee members. Uh, you should all know that, uh, it's it's no secret that that labor was in here before us.
▶ 1:09:35And as they were clearing out, for those of you that were here for the labor aids thing and Mr. cole, miss delauro, I want to thank you for sticking around for the varsity event this morning in terms of of subcommittee markups. Um, I will be there's a junior junior varsity person leaving right now. Um, I will hold my comments until the end. Uh, so we'll begin by recognizing the distinguished gentleman from texas, Mr.
▶ 1:10:05Cuellar, for his opening remarks. The floor is yours. >> uh, Mr. chairman, thank you so much, and I'm pleased to join you today as we mark up your final, uh, homeland security appropriations. We really appreciate your, uh, your work that you've done and appreciate our friendship. So, uh, the process of working with you and your team in drafting this important bill has been a good one, consistent with the traditions of the subcommittee.
▶ 1:10:30So I thank you for the dialog, the conversations we've had, uh, and with your team, willingness to work with us on items that are important for the american people. It is an interesting position we are in as we sit here considering fy 27 budget for dhs, while our work on fy 2026 still remains incomplete, I appreciate many of the new provisions included in this bill that reflect some of the common sense reforms we have been advocating for, and wonder
▶ 1:11:02If resolution fy 2026 and reclaiming our full power of our of the purse is possible without the need for more reconciliation funding that bypasses, uh, our committee. With the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 911 approaching later this year, I'm reminded that it is this subcommittee's responsibility to provide dhs the resources necessary to carry out the missions critical to our nation's and economic security, and to protect the health and the safety in doing so.
▶ 1:11:32But it's also equally our responsibility to hold them accountable, both in their day to day operations and interactions with the public, as well as how they execute the federal funding they're trusted with. It is why our subcommittee exists. This must always be at the forefront of our deliberations when deciding how to best fund dhs.
▶ 1:11:54As a board member, I understand support the investments in border security and technology, employee care, suicide prevention programs for our border patrol agents and the other homeland security folks. But I'm concerned that this bill does not provide sufficient oversight of the department or certain operational reforms that we've been, uh, talking about, for example, what the bill doubles the funding for body worn cameras.
▶ 1:12:21There's nothing in this bill requiring its use during immigration enforcement operations or ensure that the video is retained. This bill also cuts the oig, and I had time to spend time with them, uh, by 12% and stripped oversight we had agreed to last year for detention facility oversight, when detention capacity for ice is growing. And that's an ice custodies are at record levels when it comes to the border itself.
▶ 1:12:51I do want to express my appreciation for a provision that will protect some of the areas we previously agreed to, uh, that were exempted from border wall construction, that space. Uh, and I had a conversation with space a couple of nights ago, uh, the butterfly center, the, the historical cemeteries, the chapel, and other places that I thank you for putting the oversight, uh, on the reconciliation. But unfortunately, uh, we gotta look at some of the areas.
▶ 1:13:21I know that my colleague from el paso is looking at some exceptions. Uh, I'm looking at some border exceptions, uh, in my hometown. It's like having your own house a yard, and then somebody just puts a fence in front of your yard. But we look forward to working together. This is only the starting process, and I appreciate your opportunity, uh, to work on this.
▶ 1:13:46Uh, this bill also misses the opportunities to make smart investments in parts of the department, have not seen funding from reconciliation sources. I would like to see more, uh, increased funding for tsa and protect their workers collective bargaining, as well as larger investments in sis to protect, uh, cyber and critical infrastructure. And again, you know, we, we have other things that we need to talk about.
▶ 1:14:10But I do want to say, uh, that I want to thank, uh, take this moment and thank and give my deep appreciation to all the departments personnel for the work that they do. I live in the border, so I know border patrol agents, ice agents, uh, see all those folks, all, all that. And I go to church with them. I, I see the, the folks at the grocery stores, they're good people. They're good people. And, and again, I want to thank all of them. And Mr.
▶ 1:14:38Chairman, I just want to say you have been a class act, uh, part of the a-team, uh, varsity team that you were talking about. I'm just kidding, but I, I, I do want to say thank you so much to you and the team and to all the members. I really appreciate the work that y'all have done. It's only the starting process. So let's get this process started. >> thank you. Thank you sir. And your credibility was running pretty high till that stuff at the end. Um, I'd now like to recognize the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from oklahoma. The floor is yours.
▶ 1:15:08>> I thank my very good friend, the chairman. And I'd like to first again, thank you, chairman amodei. Thank you, ranking member cuellar. Certainly, my good friend and working partner, the ranking member of the full committee, miss delora, and all of you, for being here. I'm actually pretty impressed with the turnout for friday morning with no votes. I mean, uh, when I was a more junior member, I might well have not been here. So I commend all of you for being here. I really do, and I appreciate it very, very much. Uh, keeping america safe and secure is a fundamental duty.
▶ 1:15:40And the measure we're considering is critical to that mission. Uh, and I want to associate myself actually sort of going off script here with a comment that, uh, ranking member cuellar made. Uh, this is a process. And, uh, you know, we're not in agreement today, but the aim is to work toward doing it. And both of you did that last year, and I was extraordinarily proud. I think this subcommittee had the most difficult challenges of any of them. And those persist to this day.
▶ 1:16:10And I'm going to be very candid in my remarks about the senate on this. Uh, but the point is, you got to a deal, and that deal got across the floor. And I appreciate that. And I appreciate what it took for both of you, because I think you were each under extraordinary pressure to get it done. And you're to be both of you commended, uh, keeping americans safe and secure as a fundamental duty. And the measure we are considering is critical to that mission. Those aren't words. They're facts.
▶ 1:16:40Everyone in this room understand the stakes and the consequences of not acting. Uh, you have to look no further than the senate democrat dhs shutdown, which is exactly what it is. I understand what I mean. Despite bipartisan efforts to fund the department of homeland security through regular appropriations process, senate democrats refuse to advance a bill that would provide certainty for the men and women charged with securing our nation.
▶ 1:17:07And, by the way, a a bill that they had agreed to in negotiations that they had agreed to. Uh, it was a completely avoidable disruption and one where the ramifications are still being felt. Uh, I said it then, and I'll say it again. And I certainly, uh, associate myself with Mr. cuellar in this regard.
▶ 1:17:29Uh, you know, I appreciate people that actually recognize how tough the being on the border is and how much we owe those folks. And to see a situation where we were going from thousands of people a day, uh, coming across the border illegally, some in pursuit of opportunity, some in pursuit of criminal activity, uh, to see that go to where we have no known illegal entries for months into this country is
▶ 1:18:00An extraordinary achievement. And the men and women who did it ought to be thanked for it and commended for it, uh, not to constantly smeared. I see a lot of politicians that are trying to make a political point at the expense of federal workers, 75% of whom are in the border patrol are veterans and or professional law enforcement. And if we've got a couple of bad actors, they do something wrong. We ought to be relentless in the pursuit of them.
▶ 1:18:26But to take an entire group and see them sometimes compared to the gestapo, uh, I mean, it's shameless. It is shameless. And my friend, uh, Mr. cuellar certainly never, ever done that. Uh, but, uh, and frankly, to my knowledge, nobody in this room has done that, but I've seen it done repeatedly, and it's not acceptable. Uh, at its core, appropriations is about fulfilling congress's constitutional responsibility.
▶ 1:18:53Article one is not optional, and it's certainly not something members should put aside when it becomes politically inconvenient. The power of the purse carries with it an obligation to govern. And this fiscal year 2027 bill reflects that responsibility. This legislation funds every core mission of dhs. It strengthens border security. It supports immigration enforcement, and combats fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
▶ 1:19:20It reinforces the trump administration's efforts that have helped restore operational control of the border for the first time in years, while ensuring the personnel, technology, and resources are in place to sustain that success. This includes funding to sustain 22,000 border patrol agents and support for needed ice detention beds, and it doubles the resources for body worn cameras for dhs personnel that we provided last year.
▶ 1:19:50Additionally, the bill enhances america's posture in the indo-pacific by providing increased resources for coast guard operations to counter china and other adversaries, investments in maritime domain awareness, unmanned systems, technology modernization, and expanded coast guard presence in the region, help safeguard critical waterways, support allies and partners in advance U.S. national security.
▶ 1:20:14The measure also bolsters our cyber defenses by refocusing resources on protecting federal networks and critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated threats posed by nation state adversaries and criminals. Finally, the bill ensures states and local communities have the resources they need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters from firefighters and first responders to emergency managers on the ground.
▶ 1:20:43These investments help communities remain resilient, and when disaster strikes. Importantly, the measure also recognizes that homeland security is not limited to one challenge or one border. It encompasses everything from fiscal security and immigration enforcement to cyber defense, disaster response and protecting the american people from emerging threats at home and abroad. I'd be remiss not to recognize chairman amodei.
▶ 1:21:10Mark has always respected this institution and understood that governing requires showing up, doing the work and making tough decisions. He brings a practical perspective to every challenge, a willingness to say exactly what he thinks, and a commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. As chairman of this subcommittee, he's navigated some extraordinarily difficult challenges with steady judgment, candor, and clear focus on results.
▶ 1:21:40Through it all, he's never lost sight of our mission or our responsibility to provide the resources necessary to keep america safe. As the final appropriations bill, uh, it you know, he will lead in congress. This measure is a fitting culmination to mark's service. It reflects the way my friend has always approached public service, respecting the institution, embracing the responsibility, and never shying away from tough decisions.
▶ 1:22:09Congress, this committee and the appropriations process are stronger, Mr. chairman, because of your leadership. I want to thank you and your working partner, ranking member cuellar, and this subcommittee staff on both sides of the aisle for hard work, and I look forward to advancing this measure. And with that, I yield back. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. The gentlelady from connecticut. Uh, the ranking member of the full committee. The floor is yours. >> thank you very much, Mr.
▶ 1:22:39Chairman. And I, too, am so appreciative of your work and work of ranking member cuellar in of getting this bill to where it is. There obviously are serious differences with the bill, uh, which we will address and look forward to the opportunity to work together to, uh, make make changes in the bill. And I want to say a thank you to chairman cole.
▶ 1:23:01Uh, and I, I concur that the bills don't start out the way we would like them, and we try to get to the, to the end game. Uh, I would wish sometimes we would not repeat the same things that we did last year and moving forward. And we could do it in, in a, in a more deliberative and, um, faster way.
▶ 1:23:25Uh, since we know some of these things will fall by the wayside, it may be good that they fall by the wayside now so that we can move the work of the work of the committee. I want to say a thank you to the subcommittee, uh, staff. Um, I say that particularly of homeland security, it's been difficult. We were able to pass 11 of the 12 bills.
▶ 1:23:49Homeland still has its difficulties, but to the staff on both sides of the aisle, uh, we commend you, uh, for the, uh, your dedication and commitment, uh, to, to homeland security. Uh, shannon mccauley, jamie wise, jim ellsworth for the minority, paula arnstein, anna linear fisher, fern gibbons, ashley trulock, alejandro ramirez, and inkosi thomas for the majority. Again, thank you for your great work.
▶ 1:24:18I am opposed to the bill under consideration today. From the beginning, we have maintained that we will not provide another penny in funding for ice or the border patrol without substantial reforms to the way those agencies operate, reforms that protect our constituents and our communities from the kind of reckless and senseless abuses we have seen.
▶ 1:24:41I just might add here that democrats believe in border control and in secure borders. We are there, but we are also, um, committed to making sure that the results of those actions of border control do not result in american citizens dying in our streets.
▶ 1:25:06Um, this bill provides more than $10 billion for ice and nearly $7 billion for border patrol. While I welcome incremental measures, the majority has included in the bill, which make progress towards the reforms necessary to protect our communities, they still fall far short of what is required to earn our support. These agencies have broken the law.
▶ 1:25:31In january alone, ice violated nearly 100 court orders, which the chief federal judge in minnesota, a republican appointee, estimated was more than some federal agencies have violated during their entire existence. Just this week, secretary mullen testified that he is under no obligation to follow court orders. He simply doesn't agree with that.
▶ 1:25:57The head of the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country would show such flagrant disregard for the american legal system should offend anyone who respects the rule of law. The majority of americans support strong protections from ice abuses. And yes, we will not agree to another penny until those conditions are met, until we can be sure that the people we represent are safe.
▶ 1:26:27Agents must get a warrant from a judge before kicking in someone's door. They must remove their masks and display identification. We must prohibit our operations at schools, at hospitals and at houses of worship. We must end racial profiling and allow for independent investigations into misconduct. That is how we keep our community safe and how we protect the rights of all americans.
▶ 1:26:57That is how we regain the trust of the american people, that this administration has lost. During the recent funding lapse, many of my republican colleagues invoked the transportation security administration and cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency, claiming that a failure to fully fund these agencies was so egregious that we had to give ice and border patrol billions of dollars with no strings attached to avoid it.
▶ 1:27:28And now republicans have had that chance to write their own bill from scratch. And what they do, what do they do? They cut the budgets of cisa and the tsa. They cut funding from tsa by nearly $350 million, and from cisa by more than $250 million. These agencies and the people who keep us safe every day used to be so important to our colleagues. What happened?
▶ 1:27:58And as we speak, the senate republican leadership circumvented this committee and gave the trump administration another $69.5 billion with no strings attached. There is no accountability and there is no oversight in the measure.
▶ 1:28:15And if the measure passes the house next week without any of the precautions we will have provided dhs with more than $260 billion that this committee did not approve.
▶ 1:28:39I will always stand up for the appropriations process. I believe firmly, and I know chairman cole shares that belief that partizan reconciliation bills are no substitute for the work that we do here. And again, if it passes in the house next week, it will circumvent what this committee is all about.
▶ 1:29:07And, in my view, violates that power of the purse that is granted to the appropriations committee in the united states constitution.
▶ 1:29:25But you have to see the absurdity in refusing to include substantive guardrails against ice and border patrol, while also giving them nearly $17 billion on top of what they are already set to receive in reconciliation, while cutting funding for cyber security for the tsa and the internal watchdogs who prevent abuse within the department.
▶ 1:29:51The reforms we seek for these agencies are not unreasonable, nor are they impractical. They are popular, they are responsible, and they are necessary to ensure the safety of our constituents.
▶ 1:30:06I encourage my colleagues to work with us to adopt all of these guardrails and protect our communities, and to protect the power of the purse that is enshrined in the united states constitution for this committee. Until then, I urge a strong no vote on this legislation. Thank you, and I yield back.
▶ 1:30:38>> thank you, madam ranking member, other members of the committee wishing to make opening statements. The lady from texas. The floor is yours. >> thank you, Mr. chairman, and thank you to the ranking member and to our leaders of the appropriations committee.
▶ 1:30:53It it really is a privilege to be part of this committee and to be able to to work together to do everything we can to ensure we have the tools, but also guardrails necessary. As the appropriations ranking member mentioned, Mr. amodei, you've been such a great chairman to work with. I'm sorry. We're going to lose you.
▶ 1:31:19Um, and, uh, have always appreciated your willingness to hear me out and to work collaboratively. And ranking member, fellow border texan. Um, we know firsthand the, the what, what is happening every day on the border.
▶ 1:31:38I just want to echo, I would be remiss if I didn't echo what miss delauro said to us about the guardrails that are necessary for such a large, significant department. And I want to share a couple of stories with you, all my my colleagues on homeland, the largest detention facility in the world is in my district. It's called camp east montana.
▶ 1:32:07It was funded through reconciliation. It's a $1.2 billion tent city. My team and I have tried to conduct oversight multiple times. Thankfully, I've gotten in several times, but it's always hit or miss and the rules are shifting. The rules will change.
▶ 1:32:30Recently, one of my staff members was targeted by, um, some of the folks there on the ground and doxed, and I've raised all of this to the new secretary. We had a great meeting with him yesterday, and I am hopeful that there will be a very different relationship between the new secretary and congress. But we still have a job to do.
▶ 1:32:55And I want to give you a couple of examples of where a lack of oversight and a lack of guardrails should really outrage and alarm us. One case, a group of women who had been detained during the minneapolis chaos brought to el paso, and we met with them.
▶ 1:33:20They had been in custody at camp east montana for 21 days without a change of clothes, without access to a phone to call their lawyers. They were desperate. Um, some of these women were nurses. Some had been in the country for decades. Um, and they felt like incredibly hopeless.
▶ 1:33:45There was one woman who was hiv positive who did not have access to her medication for 21 days. I'll give you another example. A man that we met with a couple months ago, and as I was visiting with him, he had a brace on his arm and he kept rubbing his arm and I asked him, are you okay? And he said, no. My arm was broken by an ice agent when he arrested me. This was weeks ago.
▶ 1:34:13I've been begging for medical care. Do you want to see my arm? I said, yes, I'd like to see your arm. He took off his brace. You could see the break in his forearm. His arm had not been set. He had not been allowed to see a doctor. He was given aspirin and he said, at this point, I just want to be deported so I can check myself into an emergency room wherever they deport me.
▶ 1:34:40This is why oversight is important. This is why standards are important. Believe me, henry and I live on the border. I, I, um, worked with the community with el paso when we were seeing up to 10,000 people a day, that was not acceptable.
▶ 1:34:59And we need reform and, and we need to ensure that never happens again, which is why I've coauthored the dignity act with your colleague maria salazar. For those of you who want to see real reform. But until we pass immigration reform, we have to hold our government accountable. And it's this committee that has the power to do that. And these are just two stories.
▶ 1:35:28I we have so many. We are better than this. And the appropriations committee really can create a standard that we can be proud of, where we can be safe and we can be humane. So I seek to do that with all of you. Thank you, Mr. chairman. Thank you. Ranking member. I yield back. >> other members opening statements. Seeing none.
▶ 1:35:55Um, before I go to Mr. rutherford, I I'm going to go ahead and and make mine at this point in time. And, uh, first of all, this will this will see if anybody's listening. I'm actually looking forward to next week. And you say, what the heck's the matter with that guy?
▶ 1:36:18Um, and, and, and it's like, it has not been a great year to be serving in this, in this role. I'll just say that regardless of what your politics are and, you know, everybody's had something to say, but not everybody has said everything they're thinking on both sides. That's true. That's the mark of professionals because god knows there's plenty that could have been said. And so having said it, you're going, that's kind of weird.
▶ 1:36:47What's why is he saying this? And, uh, I'm saying it because as, as the chairman alluded to, he was proud of the work that this committee did last year. Nobody got everything they wanted. Uh, we got shoved around by, by folks that, you know, whatever. It's like, no, well, we're okay with this. No, you can't do that. You can't do that. I was proud of the collaborative process.
▶ 1:37:12I mean, it was still political and we still agreed to disagree on plenty. But everybody was a pro and no offense to any of the other members that that don't serve on on this committee or on appropriations. But I think that's not your standard fare in the culture these days. And so now, as we approach next week for this committee, it's like, oh, it's got easier. You know, I mean, it's easier to be on homeland.
▶ 1:37:41Um, it's all beer and horseshoe pitching, um, and that sort of thing. And, and, uh, I think it's going to be good to have the discussions that we're going to have in the context of article one and being appropriators. And the bill is going to change from what it is now to what we report out now, it still may end up being the same roll call votes, but the bill is going to change.
▶ 1:38:06And if I'm wrong, it's like, well, you don't know anything about your committee and and whatever the heck, but I just want to say this to the staffs and, and, and all that. It's like. My impression of the work that the people in this jurisdictional area have done as members and staff is pretty, pretty doggone strong.
▶ 1:38:31And, and you're not all being called to talk on your favorite morning or evening show or whatever. And, and it's all, but it's like, listen, that that old ben franklin thing, well done is better than. Well said. Thank you for being well done, people. Um, you don't owe me anything for for saying that, but thank you for being well done people. Um, and I also have one housekeeping thing that I need to do because, uh, we have a new member on the committee, Mr.
▶ 1:39:01Shreve from indiana, who's sitting down there in the end thinking everybody's going, who's that guy? And what's the heck? And I'm flying under the radar. I first of all want to welcome you to, to the toughest committee in a subcommittee in appropriations. And second, um, we're not big on ceremony around here. I just want to let you know if there are any second degree amendments that we in the majority decide to do on next week's markup, you're going to be carrying them all by yourself. Welcome to the committee, big guy. Okay. Yeah.
▶ 1:39:32Uh, how's that for jesus? They're really they're really formal folks down there. Um, and so with that, I would call on. >> before you. >> may I, I forgot to say something. Would you, chairman recognizing to make a quick remark. >> the chairman is recognized. >> thank you very much. I forgot to mention our friend miss henson, who? This is her last mark, uh, here. Yeah.
▶ 1:39:54And I'm going to use a line I used, uh, earlier today with miss letlow, who was in the previous committee. Unlike most members, you know, you always tell them, well, we're going to miss you more than you miss us. Actually, you really are going to miss us because you get to where I think you're going to. Going to go.
▶ 1:40:15Uh, you're going to land in the middle of a lot of problems where I honestly, I think the filibuster has been much misused over there to thwart the progress specifically of this committee and, frankly, earlier in the health care stuff. And, uh, it's just amazing. But I wish you well. You have been a joy to work with on our side of the aisle. And I, and frankly, I think across the aisle, you are a real credit to your state and your district and this institution.
▶ 1:40:43And I, you have a brilliant future in front of you. I'm sorry it ended as quickly as it did here. I thought when grassley decided to run for reelection, we got her for six more years. Uh, but, uh, you know, senator ernst made her decision, and I'm sure for good reason, but she couldn't have a better successor. Uh, if you're successful in that race. And I know it's a real race and, and you have a lot of work to do, but I have tremendous confidence in you.
▶ 1:41:09And I thank you for the way in which you've carried yourself as a member of this committee and a member of this institution. You really will be missed on this side. Yield back. Thank you very much. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Um, I guess before I make my final administrative, is there any members who want to submit amendments at this time? Okay. Seeing none.
▶ 1:41:31Final administrative announcement is this, um, we are formally up for purposes of providing lunch, etc. Next wednesday. And that's an important thing. You know, it's just like troops in the field or whatever. It's like, what's for what's to eat? And so, um, I know that everybody has their own spin on that sort of stuff and healthy and all that other sort of stuff.
▶ 1:41:57I can assure, I can assure those of you that are looking for healthy choices, next wednesday at noon, you should pack a lunch. We are going to break. We are going to break with responsibility and maturity and stuff like that. Um, and, uh, that's all I'm going to say. Well. >> since you're. >> talking talking about food, I mentioned something. >> no, but thank you for asking.
▶ 1:42:26>> but I will, but I will, uh, since we're starting homeland on tuesday after labor age on tuesday, we will have, uh, food from my district. We got a mexican restaurant that will come in. It's not, uh, palenque grill, the same one we bring in. I've tried a different one. It is not taco bell. Uh, so, uh. >> that's the next. >> day that that know on tuesday, you're on wednesday and you're on tuesday. We're on tuesday.
▶ 1:42:54So, uh, for tuesday, since we're starting homeland, we'll provide, uh, we'll bring in the cooks from, uh, south texas up there. >> so yeah, that'd be great. >> and after seeing the previous, uh, subcommittee meeting, which will, which will have to wrap up in order for Mr. cuellar to put on his, his culinary extravaganza. Um, we know that those folks are not going to, uh, you know, do anything wild and out on the edge in terms of culinary adventure. >> so. Uh.
▶ 1:43:25>> but, uh, they, you know, it's, it's, it's been taken care of otherwise. Otherwise it would have been out. >> it's been, it's been a tough year all around, hasn't it? Mr. rutherford, you are recognized for the purposes of making a motion. >> Mr. chairman, I move the bill be favorably reported to the full committee. >> the question is on the motion. Uh, for Mr. rutherford. Those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed? No. >> no, no. >> in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
▶ 1:43:53The motion is agreed to um, seeing no other business to come before the committee today, um the subcommittee on homeland security will stand adjourned.