Full committee

"The FY 2012 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill represents this committee's commitment to reducing spending and a shared sacrifice. This bill makes cuts starting in our own backyard, trimming House leadership, Member and Committee budgets by over 6 percent. This legislation's smaller budgets for our own offices underscore our goal of reducing government spending across the board.

"This bill funds operations of the House, the Capitol Police, national treasures such as the Library of Congress, as well as the maintenance of the historic buildings we meet in and the agencies that support Congress.

"While the legislative branch appropriations bill is the smallest of the annual Appropriations bills - less than one half of one percent of all spending - it presents a unique set of challenges and concerns, particularly in these tough economic times.

"Good morning and welcome to the full committee markup of the fiscal year 2012 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill.

"Today, we consider the Fiscal Year 2012 Interior Appropriations bill. I know that Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Moran, the Subcommittee and staff on both sides have put a great deal of effort and care into this bill we have before us today, and I thank them for their work.