Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (112th Congress)

"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.

"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.