This year's budget request is $17.5 billion, a 6 percent decrease from the fiscal year 2024 enacted level of $18.7 billion.

I am concerned about the mandatory use of the project labor agreements, which can result in cost overruns and higher construction costs.

I want to put that on the table and, you know, see if you have a response, but there's just, I think, a number of things and this is probably the biggest one of not unintended consequences but consequences that are out there that we need…

This year's budget request is $17.5 billion, a 6 percent decrease from the fiscal year 2024 enacted level of $18.7 billion.

I think we could agree that the Budget Request can reasonably be characterized as tight and that's not your fault.

I am concerned about the mandatory use of the project labor agreements, which can result in cost overruns and higher construction costs.

I want to put that on the table and, you know, see if you have a response, but there's just, I think, a number of things and this is probably the biggest one of not unintended consequences but consequences that are out there that we need…

In my more than 20 years working on veterans issues in both the House and the Senate, I can't recall a single year when the budget request for veterans health care went down.

Great opportunity for veterans. The only thing that would be bad is if we couldn't--you know, once we've said the benefit is there.

Guam is an important strategic hub we all agree that plays a crucial role with INDOPACOM.

I'll tell you something, I'm going to give you this election back, and if you'll give it to me, I won't be like George Bush. I'll never forget who gave me a second chance, and I'll be there for you until the last dog dies.

This committee is committed to territorial self-determination and improving the livelihoods of all Americans on the islands.

I want to thank them for working tirelessly to bring the issues important to their districts to this committee.

I appreciate all the help that you all provided to us in coming up with the new COFA agreement.

But the relative amount of rise right now compared to 400 feet of rise and fall is hard to fathom.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify during the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Hearing.

So, given that Lease Sale 261 was held on December 20, 2023, under the Inflation Reduction Act, your agency can offer offshore wind leases only until December 2024 without another oil and gas sale.

With fewer opportunities to lease in U.S. waters, investment will flow overseas and hostile nations will have greater influence over global energy markets.