On the recordJuly 19, 2022
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8294, the appropriations minibus for fiscal year 2023. I really want to start out my remarks, Mr. Chair, by saying what a joy it is to work with my counterpart, Judge Carter, as our ranking member. He and I really worked hand in glove. We are personal friends, and we worked very closely together, along with the ranking member, Ms. Granger, and Ms. DeLauro. In a very divisive process, it is really nice to have met and befriended someone like Judge Carter. I wish him the best. By now, we all know President Biden's wise words: ``Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I will tell you what you value.'' This minibus truly reflects our values, the values of promoting progress and opportunity, and protecting those who most need it. That is why I take tremendous pride in this bill as the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee chair. It is a statement of principled values, especially with its strong support for veterans, servicemembers, and their families. We steer $15.1 billion to critical military infrastructure, such as new barracks and child development centers, and focus on ensuring that family housing is clear of mold, lead, and contaminants. We invest in climate and energy resilience projects and devote $200 million to PFAS contamination cleanup at closed installations.…





