Tom Cole

To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes.

Congressman Tom Cole, now has the distinguished honor of chairing this very committee.

One of my priorities on this subcommittee is to stop the runaway housing inflation that impacts not only my constituents in Arkansas but every American.

I look forward to working with you to prioritize our Nation's vital infrastructure and transportation needs in Arkansas's third district and across the country.

However, additional funding would not absolve the Department of its responsibility to deliver capabilities on time and on budget.

Frankly, like my friend Chairman Calvert, I would like to see an increase in defense spending to more completely address these threats.

Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel and the persistent and aggressive actions of China and Russia are reminders that we need a strong military to deter war, protect U.S. interests and, when necessary, win in conflict.

We must do all that we can to ensure that any American who wants to bravely serve in the United States armed forces... feels that they belong.

Every moment this funding is delayed helps our adversaries, hurts our allies, and risks damage to America's military readiness and reputation.

I must underscore how critical it is that Congress immediately pass a supplemental funding bill to address multiple ongoing national security concerns.

I guess my real question here is again I want something that I can look at and go, okay, yeah, we have got everything in that box and we know what we have to do in the Indo-Pacific.

I think first of all as I look at the fiscal year 2025 overall PDI summary from DOD, including the Department of the Army, you cited $1.5 billion to PDI.

I am trying to figure out what Pacific deterrence initiative actually means nowadays and whether it has the purpose that I think Congress envisioned.

Russia's continued unprovoked attack on Ukraine underscores the range of threats that we and our allies face.

China's military modernization efforts and increasing assertiveness have raised concerns about the potential for conflict with the United States.

I am concerned that in order to cover these deployments the Army is now robbing Peter to pay Paul.

I am particularly concerned about this shipbuilding problem.

I think this budget is too low. I think that has been consistently true this administration.

It is critical that we maintain our forward posture to bolster deterrence and strengthen defense relationships with our allies and partners.

We must maintain technological superiority, particularly as China continues to advance its military capability.

I am particularly troubled with the Navy's recent report finding four of our most important shipbuilding programs are years behind schedule.

We cannot continue to divest ships without investing adequately in ship construction.

Ship count remains a significant factor of our military readiness.

Now more than ever, it is critical that we maintain a strong and capable Navy.

So our enforcement efforts are multilayered and begin beyond the borders. That's how we are attacking the fentanyl problem.