Foxx Opening Remarks on H.R. 7744

As prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon, the Committee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time.

Today, the Rules Committee is convening to consider H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026.

Before we proceed, I'll address the developments on the U.S. military combat operations that took place in Iran this past weekend.

First, all of us extend our prayers to all our military members but especially to the families and loved ones of the servicemembers who have tragically passed away over the past few days.

They dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the country they loved - may the knowledge of their service and memories of them and their service stay with us forever.

Americans have been blessed from the beginning of our country with men and women who have been willing to sacrifice their lives so the rest of us can live in freedom.

Let me make one thing crystal clear: the senior leaders of the Iranian regime who passed away, have now faced justice and have reaped what they have sown.

Their barbarism, terrorism, and blighting of international diplomacy are at an end. The world is rightly rejoicing.

For decades, as all of us understand, Iran and its associated proxies have acted with brazen abandon that has led to the deaths of Americans, a serious degradation of stability in the Middle East and around the world and attempts to sow fear in the hearts of millions through brute force.

To be clear, Iran has been a state sponsor of terrorism for the last 47 years.

Iran and the proxies it funded have caused horrible carnage against Americans during that time.

Many of those leading that reign of terror have been extinguished - the Iranian people find themselves at a pivotal moment in their history, and they deserve unbridled freedom on their own terms.

Let's not forget also that the people of Iran have endured brutal repression under the Islamic Republic for nearly five decades - as the Islamic Republic remained a constant threat to our homeland, our servicemembers, and the American people.

In 1979, in its very infancy, the regime's first act was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran - and consequently hold over 50 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Four years later in 1983 the regime's proxies carried out the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut and killed 241 American military personnel.

17 years later, the regime supported, and was involved with, the attack on the USS Cole, killing 17 U.S. sailors and injuring 37 other crew members.

Time and time again, their malign actions have been etched in the pages of history.

Today, thanks to the bold leadership and resolve of the United States, our ally Israel, and partners in the Middle East, a new opportunity for peace has been kindled.

The nations of the world should embrace the decimation of the chief sponsor of global terrorism. Our alliances are being secured.

But most of all, American lives, the security of our troops in the region, and the interests of our nation are protected through this operation.

Our colleagues across the aisle will inevitably want to adjudicate the president's actions and cry foul that he is acting with reckless abandon by not seeking Congressional approval.

Did they say the same about President Obama's decision to conduct airstrikes in Libya in 2011 without Congressional approval?

Did they say the same about the airstrikes under President Biden that were carried out in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen without congressional approval during his four years in office?

I believe not, and I don't believe they'll acknowledge that the president can exercise the authority granted to him under Article II of the Constitution in protecting the nation and its people.

All we'll hear is more ire directed at a president who has made serious progress in building lasting peace throughout the world. It's not a new position for them.

Now, to the appropriations measure before us today.

It is PAST time that we move forward with funding the Department of Homeland Security so that the agency remains best equipped to protect the American people and our entire nation.

We do not have a moment to lose - especially when considering how the geopolitical developments over the past few days warrant our immediate attention right here at home.

Our imperative here and now must be to fund this agency so that its lapse in operational capacity does not leave this nation vulnerable to all manner of threats. Time is of the essence here, folks.

We must ensure a strong posture of security for our very homeland - a failure to do so is a failure to protect the American people and a failure to protect our interests. The answer before us all is undeniably clear.

We must get this appropriations package over the finish line - we cannot afford to wait any longer.

It's time to act.

With that, I now yield to the Ranking Member, Mr. McGovern, for any comments he wishes to make.