We appreciate the continued advocacy of Chairman Thompson and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey in support of title 5 rights for the TSO workforce.

Good afternoon. I want to thank Chairman Richmond for holding today's hearing on an issue critical to both our National security and our economy: Addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage.

We see increased military bases, increased military ports, a dominant ice breaker fleet--when compared to America, 40 to 2.

Earlier this week, the 38th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service honored the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice upholding the rule of law and protecting the people of our great Nation. Last year, Mississippi lost five…

As it is National Police Week, I would like to take a moment to thank those law enforcement officers who serve this country and State and local communities and also honor those in law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Given the challenge in the recruiting environment, it is crucial that the services leverage every tool available to understand what motivates qualified individuals to serve in the military and stay.

However, before making additional changes to personnel management, we need to clearly understand the problem.

We cannot overstate the central role that our service members play in making the United States the most lethal military in the world.

in commemoration of National Police Week, families from across the country are gathering in Washington to pay respect to law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year. Mississippi tragically lost four officers…

I respect the time-honored practice of this body which encourages new Members to listen and observe before speaking on the floor. There is value in humility--knowing when to talk and when to listen. First, let me say it is a great…

Without these advance contracts, the Government risks taxpayer money by spending more than is necessary for goods and services.

Border security is more than building a wall.

Disaster contracting is a central component of disaster preparedness and an issue that I have been following for quite some time.

Since Hurricanes Katrina exposed gaps in FEMA's disaster contracting practices in 2005, the agency still has not managed to make the necessary adjustments.

FEMA must do its due diligence to ensure that companies selected for advance contracts can meet the contract terms.

There is a humanitarian crisis on our Southern Border, and this situation has been unfolding for nearly a year.

We want to get it right. FEMA is the last line of defense to help the American people.

FEMA has yet to adequately implement all of the reforms, despite it being well over a decade since the law was passed.