Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

Floor Speech

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Ms. BOEBERT. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of two of my amendments that are included in H.R. 4016. It will address the fentanyl crisis devastating our Nation, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, including thousands in my home State of Colorado.

My amendments redirect vital resources to strengthen our fight against transnational criminal organizations and the deadly flow of illicit fentanyl.

My first amendment redirects $2 million to bolster the National Guard Counterdrug Program. This funding will enhance training and equipment for our servicemembers, empowering them to disrupt the cartels and criminal networks fueling this epidemic.

The National Guard is on the front lines of protecting our communities, and this investment will ensure they have the tools to stop these lethal drugs before they reach our streets.

My second amendment redirects $2 million of wasteful spending to increase further funding for counternarcotic support within the Department of Defense. This will strengthen the DOD's critical role in intercepting fentanyl and synthetic opioids, saving countless lives. This is something that is extremely critical in fighting this devastating epidemic that we are facing.

The fentanyl crisis has torn families apart and left communities in mourning. These amendments are a targeted, urgent response to fight back against this deadly drug.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support both of my amendments, to stand with our servicemembers, and to protect the lives of Americans across this great Nation.

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