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Madam Chair, it was 68 years ago today that more than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed and wounded during the D-day invasion in Normandy, France. That courageous operation, as well as the sacrifice of so many brave individuals, serves as a sobering reminder that freedom and security are not free. It is with this solemn commitment to both freedom and security that I respectfully present to the people's House the FY 2013 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security.
Similar to our committee's work over the past 2 fiscal years, this bill demonstrates how we can sufficiently fund vital security programs while also at the same time reducing discretionary spending overall. This bill does not represent a false choice between fiscal responsibility and our Nation's security. Both are national security priorities and both are vigorously addressed in this bill by focusing upon four key priorities:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.
Today we consider the Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations bill for the Departments of Transportation and Housing & Urban Development. I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Latham, Ranking Member Olver, as well as staff on both sides, for the important work they've done to bring this job-creating legislation before the subcommittee today. I also want to give special thanks to Mr. Olver, as this will be his last subcommittee markup on this bill. I thank you for all you have done for this committee over the years.
As May's job report indicates, our economic woes continue. Unemployment continues to hover over 8%, and the message is clear – the overspending, overtaxing, and over-regulating must stop if we're to grow our economy and put our nation back to work.
Today we are meeting to consider the fiscal year 2013 transportation and housing and urban development bill.
Before we get to the bill, I want to congratulate my colleague and the ranking member of this subcommittee, John Olver, for his years of service. As many of you know, Mr. Olver is retiring at the end of this Congress, and I have to say, this Subcommittee and the institution will be a lesser place without him. His attention to detail, his quest for knowledge about the programs and stakeholders of this bill, and his kindness and compassion are to be admired. Plus, his inability to complete a question in a five minute hearing round has made us all the wiser about the programs in question. It is a pleasure working with you, and thank you.
