Cole Remarks at FY25 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Bill Subcommittee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Simpson, and thank you to Ranking Member Pingree, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee for being with us today.

This morning, our work continues with the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act.

This bill supports the conservation and good stewardship our nation’s natural, cultural, and environmental resources. From the protection of forests and recreational hunting and fishing to U.S. energy and mineral independence—the measure before us impacts vast aspects of American life. It also advances the federal commitment to honor our trust and treaty responsibilities to American Indian and Alaska Natives communities.

Essential resources are delivered with a total funding level of thirty-eight point four eight billion dollars. This allocation marks a reduction from the Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level and meets the topline imposed by law under the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

We have taken meaningful steps to reduce spending on lower-priority programs and direct funding where it is needed most – Indian Country and wildland fire management.

I am particularly pleased that the bill prioritizes funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which includes a thirty-four percent increase for law enforcement programs. Critical health care programs at the Indian Health Service are also increased by twenty-three percent.

Further, it contains several provisions to rein in the Administration’s burdensome regulatory agenda to protect American jobs and lower energy costs. We also strengthen our national security with policies that promote domestic energy production and expand access to critical minerals.

I thank Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Pingree, and the majority and minority staff for their hard work, and I look forward to consideration of this bill today.

With that, I yield back.