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"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2112, the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

"This bill answers the call from Americans to reduce government spending while still providing for critical programs that keep American agriculture competitive in a global economy. The $125.5 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding in this bill will help our rural communities to thrive, provide daily nutrition to children and families across the country, and keep our food and drug supply safe.

"However, we can't spend at the rate we used to. We've hit the debt ceiling, we're borrowing more than 42 cents on every dollar we spend – we're mortgaging our children's futures. We must rein in our spending - even if it may not be the most popular thing to do.

"I'd like to thank the Chairman, Mr. Frelinghuysen, and the Ranking Member, Mr. Visclosky, for their remarks and for their hard work on the FY 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.

"This legislation represents your commitment, Mr. Chairman, and that of the Republican majority, to restoring restraint and responsibility to the appropriations process in a time when we cannot spend as we used to. The Committee has taken a hard look at each and every line in this bill to make sure that we are prioritizing taxpayer dollars in programs that have the most benefit to the American people, while cutting back funding for programs that we simply cannot afford or that are not performing up to snuff.