Remarks
"The fiscal year 2012 Department of Defense base budget recommendation before us today is $530 billion, which is $8.9 billion below the request. The overseas contingency operations recommendation is $118.7 billion, which is $842 million above the request. This increase is mostly attributable to the transfer of the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund from the State/Foreign Operations Subcommittee to the Defense Subcommittee.
"To reach the reduced base allocation of $530 billion, the Subcommittee reviewed in detail the budget request, and found areas and programs where reductions are possible without adversely impacting the warfighter or readiness.
"I would like to start by thanking Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks for your remarks and for your commitment to crafting a bipartisan Defense bill that supports our troops and addresses our critical national security needs.
"The $530 billion in non-emergency funding contained within this Defense bill will provide our armed forces with the resources they need, and will allow for the advancement of our nation's missions abroad and the protection of our people here at home.
"As our soldiers and Marines continue to put their lives on the line to eliminate terrorism and protect freedom around the globe, Congress must support and fund their actions in a timely and reasonable manner. This bill sustains our military readiness, facilitating the continued modernization and preservation of the greatest armed forces in the world.
"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 bill for fiscal year 2012 provides $30.639 billion, $1.043 billion below fiscal year 2011 and $5.9 billion below the President's request — bringing the total down to approximately the fiscal year 2005 level.
"The highest priorities are protected by supporting the Department of Energy's national defense programs, and by preserving activities that directly support American competitiveness, such as water infrastructure and basic science research.
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. This is a decrease of $1.1 billion – or 2.6% – below last year's level and $3 billion – or 7% – below the President's request.
House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers gave the following statement on this essential legislation on the floor of the House today:
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support HR 2017, the Fiscal Year 2012 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act.
"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.
"The bill funds the core federal mission of the agencies and programs that keep our rural communities vibrant and strong. It provides funding that keeps our food and drug supply wholesome and safe. The bill also ensures that American agriculture remains competitive in a global economy; and it provides daily nutrition to children and families throughout the country and the world.
"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.
