Member Day

Subcommittee on Defense will come to order. Today's subcommittee will hold an open hearing in which all members of the House have been invited to testify on their priorities for fiscal year 2027 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The subcommittee receives thousands of member requests per year. Ranking Member McCollum and Chairman Calvert carefully review these requests from both sides of the aisle. We all take our constitutional responsibility to provide for our nation's defense seriously and will work to build the best bill in support of that responsibility. As we all are well aware, the world is in chaos. Therefore, it is vital that the United States have the capabilities and capacity to respond to those who wish us harm. Fiscal year 2026 was filled with numerous challenges, such as tardy budget rollout and navigating reconciliation. However, ultimately, we were able to pass a bipartisan package. We have an opportunity to build from last year's work and lay the foundation for fiscal year 2027 DOD Appropriations Act in order to respond to these threats. We must continue to find ways we can work together to increase efficiencies within the Department of Defense, invest in innovate in the capabilities of our service member this our service members need, and provide them the quality of life they deserve. Please note that we have no members that have requested to testify, however, we will get Congresswoman Garcia's statement submitted for the record. I now recognize the distinguished ranking member, Ms. McCollum, for her opening remarks.

Thank you, and I appreciate this hearing being held today, and I look forward to learning more about the priorities of what's been submitted to the record, and thank you.

Thank you, Ms. McCollum. This concludes today's hearing. The subcommittee stands adjourned.