Weekly Update
Comment from the Capitol
In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I break down the uphill battle Congress faces to pass legislation by month’s end to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. Spoiler alert: the outlook isn’t too promising.
Listen HERE.
Appropriations Update
The House Appropriations Committee was back at it this week, continuing to mark up our bills to fund the government. This week, we approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. This bill allocates $23.341 billion in discretionary spending to drive economic growth, protect American taxpayers, strengthen national security, support U.S. financial systems, combat the flow of drugs, and more.
For example, the bill protects our communities from deadly drugs like fentanyl by investing in the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program to strengthen interdiction efforts and stop narcotics from entering our borders. The bill also equips the U.S. Treasury and other federal agencies with tools to bolster cybersecurity to stop foreign adversaries and criminals from hacking our nation’s critical infrastructure.
As a former Chairman of this subcommittee, I am proud to support this bill and look forward to its consideration on the House floor.
Read more about the bill HERE.
Speaking of the House floor, Congress also passed its third FY26 appropriations bill this week: the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This bill allocates $57.3 billion in discretionary spending for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness.
I'm a strong supporter of an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and this bill makes critical investments in two increasingly important energy sources: nuclear and geothermal. Both are capable of providing reliable baseload power, which is something we need more than ever as energy consumption rises with the growth of technologies like artificial intelligence.
Additionally, the bill provides robust funding for the continued modernization of the United States' nuclear weapons stockpile and supporting infrastructure. This investment ensures that the U.S. maintains its position as the global leader in nuclear weaponry. And with Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, and Xi Jinping showcasing their combined military strength this week, we cannot afford to fall behind in any aspect of defense technology.
Read more about the bill HERE.
Washington Examiner: Former Foster Youth Need Housing Support, and Congress Can Give It.
In case you missed it, I recently authored an op-ed published in the Washington Examiner highlighting a critical program I funded through the FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
The program—known as the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative—provides essential housing assistance to young people who have recently aged out of the U.S. foster care system.
As I note in the piece, the National Foster Youth Institute estimates that 20 percent of foster youth become homeless immediately upon emancipation at age 18. And approximately half of the nation’s homeless population has spent time in foster care.
This is a problem we cannot ignore. That’s where the FYI program comes in and provides a lifeline to vulnerable young adults, setting them up for future success.
You can read more about the program and how I’m working with First Lady Melania Trump to secure this funding HERE.
Photo Highlights
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I had the chance to meet the Villar family from Fayetteville and the Garcia family from Centerton, who were visiting D.C. this week. Before my staff gave them a tour of the U.S. Capitol, I enjoyed chatting to our young visitor about the importance of working hard and always trying your best in school.
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At the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, I ran into Cadet Jackson Witherington of Greenwood. Nominating standout students to our elite service academies is an honor, and Cadet Witherington is one of the Third District’s finest!
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While at USMA, I joined Rep. Pat Ryan in speaking with cadets about leadership, politics in America, and the importance of serving with courage, conviction, and character. These cadets are the next generation of military leaders, and it is always a privilege to spend time with them.
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I had the honor of attending the promotion ceremony for LTG Marcus S. Evans, Director of the Army Staff, who was promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General. This promotion is a testament to LTG Evans’ exceptional leadership and service, and I was glad to celebrate it alongside his peer officers and loved ones.
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Have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around! Be sure to check out my website, X, and Instagram pages in the meantime. |