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"I appreciate having the opportunity to speak on this bill as we move forward with the 2012 appropriations process.
"The fiscal situation confronting our nation is of immediate importance, and hard choices simply can no longer be put off onto our children in the name of political expediency. This bill reflects your commitment, Mr. Chairman, and that of the whole Committee, to scour each line of the President's budget in search of savings.
"The bill we have before us works to put the agencies funded by this bill on a sustainable budget path, while continuing to fund assistance to farmers, rural communities and low-income families. Where necessary, we have cut funding for duplicative programs and limited funding for programs that have been less than transparent with taxpayer money. At this time of monumental deficits and skyrocketing debt, we cannot afford to let taxpayer dollars slip through the cracks.
"We have before us today the Chairman's mark of the fiscal year 2012 appropriations bill and report for Agriculture, Rural Development, the Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Members and staffs have had 24 hours to review the bill language. Staff has had an opportunity to review the report.
"Our discretionary 302(b) allocation in budget authority is $17.25 billion, and we are exactly at that level. This is a tough allocation and it represents funding cuts across the entire bill.
"We can all agree that our nation's service-members and veterans deserve the utmost quality of care and respect for their service and sacrifice, and it's a pleasure to be able to support them.
"This bill funds the most pressing needs of our nation's service-members and their families, as well as our veterans, while also acknowledging the need to rein in federal spending in a time of historic and dangerous deficits.
"The bill fully funds the construction of Department of Defense hospitals and clinics, schools and family housing, providing our military personnel with the resources to effectively advance US missions abroad and the support they need here at home. The bill also protects the health and well-being of our veterans, funding medical care, disability benefits, and education benefits.
"It's been a pleasure to work with my Ranking Member, Mr. Bishop, in this inaugural year of my Chairmanship. He has been by my side through every hearing we have had this year, providing thoughtful insights. His prior experience with the agencies has been most helpful.
"The bill before you was posted yesterday morning, and you and your staffs have had an opportunity to review it. In addition, the Subcommittee staff briefed all of your staff yesterday.
"This bill addresses the most urgent needs of our active duty servicemen and women, and our Nation's veterans, while also recognizing the need to constrain federal spending as the country wrestles with large deficits. The total discretionary fiscal year 2012 funding is $72.535 billion, a decrease of $1.252 billion from the budget request, and $615 million below the fiscal year 2011 appropriation.
