Cole Remarks at FY25 Defense Bill Full Committee Markup

The privilege of peace is delivered through vigilance, and our military has supported that mission generation after generation. Those in this room know our troops are the greatest force for freedom and liberty the world has ever seen. That priority is why we are here now.

Congress has a constitutional responsibility to ensure our warfighters are equipped to defend and serve no matter the challenge.

As threats emerge from all corners of the globe, it is more important than ever to ensure that we are adequately providing for the common defense.

Around the world, authoritarians are flexing their military might and choosing aggression rather than peace. We see this in Eastern Europe, in the Middle East, and in the South China Sea. With threats emerging in these and other areas, it is critical that the United States is prepared to meet and defeat any threat to our national security.

Facing these realities, we must give our troops every advantage possible. This means focusing resources where they make the most impact. As such, Defense receives a one percent increase.

I haven’t been shy in stating my belief that greater investments in our defense efforts are warranted, but the Fiscal Responsibility Act is the law of the land, and our work here will reflect the parameters imposed by the statute.    

Today’s bill ensures our armed forces have the weapons and tools they need to confront any foe anywhere in the world.

It provides new funding for innovation and modernization, which will allow us to develop the weapons and defense systems needed for the battlefield of the future.

It increases pay for our servicemembers, helping to hold them harmless against the inflationary crisis of recent years.

It supports allies and partners around the globe, including Israel and Taiwan as they face existential threats from nearby authoritarian powers.

And it provides significant funding for counter-narcotics programs, helping to fight drug trafficking and the scourge of fentanyl.

I will always work to ensure our service members are the best manned, equipped, and trained—and this legislation reflects those elements.

I want to thank Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum for their hard work on this bill, and I look forward to consideration of this measure during our markup today.