The budget request of $271 billion in fiscal year 2022 for the Department of Veterans Affairs... represents a 10.4 percent increase over fiscal year 2021 enacted levels.

Your experience as an astronaut and legislator makes you an ideal advocate for NASA's priorities.

I thank the gentleman from Washington not only for holding this important forum tonight but also for his tremendous leadership with the Western Caucus, where we look at real solutions for rural America. Madam Speaker, America is blessed…

across the country, the school year is winding down, and students will be on summer break. We know that when school is out, many students who receive free and reduced-price meals throughout the school year are not getting the nutrition…

Mr. Secretary, do you believe that our military is a fundamentally racist organization? Yes or no, please.

That was, I think, a real boost and as you know, it's just a classic example of, you know, your leadership.

Again, thank you for being here, and taking time to speak with us.

I am sure you know, last Congress, we came together in a bipartisan manner and passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

What concerns me is that these parameters were changed in the American Rescue Plan.

Good. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

I have heard from constituents and colleagues that Treasury has not been able to provide details about how and where the money is being spent.

Given the critical importance of contract towers to Rural America's smaller airports, what steps are DOT and FAA taking?

there is no question what the backbone of our economy happens to be--all these millions and millions of small businesses out there.

Human nature kicks in. Do I want to get the same amount of money by going to work every day and working hard, do I want to get that amount of money by sitting at home? And so, we want to avoid the inclination of human nature.

I hope OGC can assist USDA in releasing nearly $2 billion in financial relief to contract poultry and livestock producers.

You are a good lawyer.

I remain opposed to any effort to shoehorn the establishment and operation of a 'carbon bank' into the CCC authority.

It is important USDA has a General Counsel who can be relied upon by Congress and the agriculture community to provide sound, practical, and candid legal guidance to the Department.