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"I would like to thank Mr. Pastor and all members for their participation in putting this bill together and in many oversight hearings.

"The Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill supports programs critical to our nation's security, safety, and economic competitiveness. This year, we make tough choices to balance these critical needs against the equally-pressing mandate of getting our nation's fiscal house in order.

The House today will consider the fiscal year 2012 Homeland Security Appropriations bill – the first of the 12 annual funding bills to move to the floor this year. The legislation targets funding to critical homeland security programs and operations, while helping to address the urgent need to reduce spending to rein in the nation's unprecedented deficits and debt. In total, the legislation provides $40.6 billion in non-emergency funding for the various programs and agencies within DHS.

"The agencies and programs in this Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill will receive a total of $125.5 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding, a reduction of more than $7 billion from the President's request. We reduced discretionary spending by $2.7 billion from last year's level – a cut of more than $5 billion from the President's request.

"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.