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Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5325, the Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.
This legislation – which funds important agencies and programs under the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation – contains $32.1 billion in discretionary funding – a cut of nearly $1 billion below the President's budget request. Within this bill, we placed the highest priorities on programs that shore up our national security, help tackle sky-rocketing gasoline and energy prices, and support American competitiveness. We know this is a bill that can do a great deal to help promote job creation, improve public safety and regional commerce, and help relieve some of that pain at the pump in the future – so we've made those smart investments that will help boost the American economy.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5854, the fiscal year 2013 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill.
Earlier this week, we celebrated Memorial Day – a day to commemorate those warfighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our nation. I can think of no better bill to take up this week in honor of these heroes. We know the risks our troops take to fight for our freedom – and it is the duty of Congress to care for them accordingly.
This bipartisan legislation ensures that our troops and veterans have the vital resources they need and deserve to fight successfully, have a sufficient quality of life, and stay healthy. This bill is funded at the same level as last year - $71.7 billion in discretionary funding for construction efforts here and abroad, and for veterans' health, job training, and disability and education benefits programs.
The recommendation for FY 2013 provides $3.3 billion, excluding Senate items, which are traditionally left to the Senate to determine. This is a decrease of $34.4 million, or 1% from the FY 2012 enacted level and a decrease of $190 million, or 5.3% from the requested level.
Americans are sending hard-earned dollars to Washington and deserve to know they are being cost-effectively spent. This Subcommittee has taken that philosophy to heart in hearings and meetings where members have listened to agency heads lay out their priorities and budget requests. We've made tough, but workable choices that will allow our agencies to move forward in an efficient manner.
Since becoming Chair of the Subcommittee last year, we have cut the spending by 7.9% and with this mark we will bring that cut to 8.8% excluding the Senate.
Thank you, Chairman Crenshaw and Ranking Member Honda, for your comments and for your hard work on this Appropriations Bill. You and your staffs have put in a great deal of effort into drafting this legislation, and we appreciate it.
The bill before us today provides funding for the functions of the Legislative Branch – which we all know is needed to accomplish the work of this branch of government, and maintain the safety and security of Members, staff, and the thousands of visitors who come to the Capitol Complex each day. With this bill, we are in a position to lead by example – to be ever mindful of our limited tax dollars and to spend less wherever possible.
