Brian Schatz

I can't keep hearing from Native communities that they are being kept away from grant funding by poor outreach.

Red Hill is not the only aging infrastructure in Hawaii, that is for sure, and I would like you to speak to the sort of more basic, more mundane needs regarding infrastructure in the State of Hawaii?

I just worry that we are giving short shrift to the kind of boring stuff, making facilities more resilient, funding our partnerships in the region, sewer, water, housing, all of it.

It'd be one thing if we're having a conversation about fiscal discipline or whatever it is, but the way to exert fiscal discipline is to have a program, have accountability not just to spend the money after a bunch of suffering.

Buy American has been the law of the land since 1933, but for far too long, past Administrations have found a way to get around it. Not anymore.

The model here is the DOD, right. The DOD doesn't get to have an opinion necessarily about climate action

Now we need that same bipartisan strength to sustain those ongoing infrastructure investments--and to make progress on safety regulations that protect Americans driving, flying, walking, riding--and counting--on that infrastructure.

On a bipartisan basis, we made the right decision to fix our aging infrastructure and begin taking steps to adapt to climate change.

But we face a reversal of that commitment--we do face a reversal of that commitment if we entertain the House majority proposal to return to 2022 funding levels.

Every member on this committee knows the importance of stable bridges, efficient airports, and safe cars.

I know you appreciate the importance of infrastructure and housing in your home State, and we have already talked about some of these priorities.

When you get into these rural communities, just think about how many reservations and tribal lands we have that have no running water, no plumbing. That should not happen in this America.

We just want your agency to work better and I know you do, too.

I think you have the wisdom of having come from the Legislative Branch and also just understanding that whatever thicket of processes and procedures and rules and laws that you inherited is not your fault.

I think the rest of us, you know, living in the real world, when you have a disaster in your home state or your hometown, you understand we're going to spend this money anyway to provide disaster relief.

It'd be one thing if we're having a conversation about fiscal discipline or whatever it is, but the way to exert fiscal discipline is to have a program, have accountability not just to spend the money after a bunch of suffering.

Former Chairman Leahy established a Rapid Rehousing Program for survivors of domestic violence that has helped more than 50,000 people get out of harm and into stability.

The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program created by Vice Chair Collins has reduced the number of homeless youth by 25 percent since 2017.

But this progress will end if we enact the House Majority proposal to return to 2022 funding levels.

The HUD VASH Program created by Chair Murray has cut veterans' homelessness by nearly 55 percent since 2009.

I look forward to getting a top line agreement in the next month allowing us to develop a balanced bipartisan bill that recognizes our country's serious housing challenges.

Thank you for your testimony today. Thank you for your partnership with this committee.

Buy American has been the law of the land since 1933, but for far too long, past Administrations have found a way to get around it. Not anymore.

The model here is the DOD, right. The DOD doesn't get to have an opinion necessarily about climate action

Now we need that same bipartisan strength to sustain those ongoing infrastructure investments--and to make progress on safety regulations that protect Americans driving, flying, walking, riding--and counting--on that infrastructure.