Remarks

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5855, the Fiscal Year 2013 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

After successfully thwarting several attempts at terrorist attacks in our skies, and eliminating the world's most heinous terrorist Osama bin Laden, we can agree our country is safer today than it was ten years ago.

But we face constant reminders that the war on terror is far from over. Our freedom isn't free, and we cannot skimp on our national security if we want to stay vigilant and – most importantly – safe.

I know that my colleagues feel the same way I do that one of the most gratifying, most rewarding parts of this extraordinary job that we're entrusted with in addition to being guardians of the Treasury, to being good stewards of the public's business, is to do everything in our power to help ensure that our men and women in uniform have all that they need to do their job as they stand guard and over this Nation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in every scary, dark corner of the world.

Today, Madam Chair, it's my privilege, with my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Bishop), to lay before the House and ask for its approval the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill for 2013.

Mr. Chairman, it is my honor to bring the fiscal year 2013 Energy and Water bill before the full House.

Before I begin my remarks, let me thank the full chairman, Mr. Rogers, as well as the ranking member, Mr. Dicks, for their support of a very open process. I would also like to thank my ranking member, Congressman Pete Visclosky, for his dedication to our joint mission and our close working relationship. The bill is stronger for his input and knowledge.

I would also like to thank the committee staff: Rob Blair, our clerk; Joe Levin; Loraine Heckenberg; Angie Giancarlo; Perry Yates; and Trevor Higgins. On the minority side, I would like to thank Taunja Berquam. I would also like to thank my personal staff, Nancy Fox and Katie Hazlett, and Mr. Visclosky 's personal staff in the form of Joe DeVo.

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.

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.