Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration
(202) 225-3481
Madam Chair, thank you for yielding.
As we sit here today, inflation is 8.6 percent above last year, the highest it's been in more than 40 years. Economists are saying American households should budget an extra $5,000 this year to cover rising prices – that's over $400 a month. Many families simply cannot afford this.
Prices of everyday goods have skyrocketed over the last year under the Biden Administration. For example:
Chairman Bishop, thank you for presenting the fiscal year 2023 bill that funds Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.
I also want to recognize the hard work of the acting ranking member of the subcommittee, Dr. Harris.
I appreciate both of you working to fund priorities of Members on both sides of the aisle.
While this bill funds many important programs, it is based on a funding level that passed the House without Republican support.
In addition to concerns about spending, I have a few examples of what must be carefully reviewed as this particular bill moves through the process.
WASHINGTON – Today, the Defense Subcommittee; Legislative Branch Subcommittee; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee; and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Subcommittee considered their appropriations bills for fiscal year 2023. The measures were reported out to the full committee with concerns raised by Republicans.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act.
American families are facing yet another crisis. Parents don't have access to the formula their young children need. They are angry and frightened, and I understand why.
There are reports that more than 40% of baby formula is sold out across the United States. Some families are having to drive hours just so their children don't go to bed hungry.
At a time when Americans are paying record-high gas prices, no one can afford this.
We had the opportunity to work across the aisle on a bipartisan solution to this crisis.
Unfortunately, the text we are considering today has not been agreed to by both sides.
I have four concerns about the bill.
First, the bill does nothing to force the FDA to come up with a plan to address the shortage.
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Kay Granger (TX), the Lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, announced Rep. Julia Letlow (LA) will fill the vacant Republican seat on the committee for the remainder of the 117th Congress. Following the Republican Steering Committee's meeting Tuesday, the Republican Conference ratified the Steering Committee's recommendation for Letlow to fill the seat. Letlow will serve on the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Subcommittee and the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7691, a bill that would provide additional assistance to Ukraine and other partners in the region.
Ten weeks ago, we witnessed Russia begin its attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine.
To support Ukraine and our allies during this unprovoked, illegal, and appalling attack, Congress provided nearly 14 billion dollars in emergency funding through the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills.
That funding has been crucial in Ukraine's efforts to fight back against Putin's evil invasion.
The bill before us today would provide roughly $40 billion in assistance to address the ongoing conflict.
With Russia continuing to take control of the country, more resources are needed to:
Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2471, a bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this fiscal year.
While it has taken us far too long to get here, I am glad we were able to produce a bill that includes many funding priorities that I support.
Since last summer, I have made it clear that House Republicans wouldn't oppose appropriations bills unless they:
- Increase defense spending,
- Restrain non-defense spending,
- Include all long-standing policy provisions, and
- Do not include any poison pill riders.
After months of negotiations, we reached a deal that meets all four of these criteria.
The bill before us:
Enacted Full-Year Legislation
H.R. 2471 - Omnibus
Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration
Defense
Commerce, Justice, and Science
Energy and Water Development
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, made an announcement regarding subcommittee leadership.
"I am happy to announce that Dr. Andy Harris will serve as the Acting Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Dr. Harris' experience on the subcommittee, his knowledge of the agriculture economy, and his background as a physician will be important assets in this role."
Background
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 4502, a package of seven fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills that will be considered by the House this week.
I wish the circumstances were different and I could support this important piece of legislation that funds critical programs.
Unfortunately, after months of committee hearings and markups, this year's bills have too many fatal flaws.
First, there is no agreement between Republicans and Democrats on the topline spending level for appropriations.
Second, there is no bipartisan agreement on the funding level for each individual bill. To put it simply, non-defense spending is too high and defense spending is too low.
Third, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle have included the most alarming policy changes I have ever seen.
