Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Earl Scruggs, who passed away on March 28, 2012. He was a noted banjo player whose style changed the way the banjo is played and whose music will endure for generations.

Born on January 6, 1924 in western North Carolina, Scruggs came into a musical family. His parents, brothers and sisters all had musical talents and traditional music was heard all around him. His love for music started at an early age after watching his older brothers master the banjo, which promoted his interest in playing. The support and practice he received at home with his family produced an artist who would go on to leave an indelible mark on traditional American and bluegrass music.

Scruggs began his remarkable 67-year career in music in 1945 when he began playing with Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass music, and his band the Blue Grass Boys. On these earliest recordings, his peculiar style of playing the banjo, which brought out a syncopated rolling rhythm using three fingers as opposed to the old ``clawhammer'' style, was immediately recognized as a fresh approach to playing the instrument. This style has been imitated by so many players that today it is referred to as the ``Scruggs style'' and is the preferred style among many musicians in traditional and bluegrass music. Bluegrass music is an essential part of the heritage of my congressional district in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, and many of the musicians in my region were influenced by him and play the banjo in his style.

In 1948, Scruggs joined forces with band mate Lester Flatt to form Flatt & Scruggs, and the two played together for over 20 years. In the 1970s, he formed the band Earl Scruggs Revue and expanded his audiences into genres where the banjo is not commonly heard, and even shared the stage with many folk, rock, and pop acts of the time, broadening the reach of traditional and bluegrass music. Even those who are not familiar with bluegrass music have likely heard Scruggs' playing on ``The Ballad of Jed Clampett,'' which was the theme song for The Beverly Hillbillies television program, as well as his Grammy Award winning ``Foggy Mountain Breakdown.''

Earl Scruggs was a two time Grammy Award winner, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor, as well as a recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 1992. His presence on stage will be sorely missed, but his music will last for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to rise today to commend and congratulate the University of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team on winning the 2012 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.

By now, any basketball fan is familiar with the legacy of the Wildcats. The ``Greatest Tradition in College Basketball,'' Kentucky is the winningest program of all-time, both in total wins and total win percentage, and the first team to break the 2,000 win threshold. Kentucky has fifteen Final Four appearances, and now eight national championships, second only to UCLA.

Even measured against this pedigree and the impossibly high expectations of the Big Blue Nation, this batch of 'Cats was something special. ``The Undeniables,'' as they are known, were ranked number one in the nation for most of the year, losing only two games on their way to setting the NCAA record of thirty-eight wins in a single season. During their remarkable NCAA tournament run they won each game by an astonishing average of ten points, never trailing in a second half. While the title was the ultimate goal, the Final Four victory over instate rival the University of Louisville may have been even sweeter, as the highest stakes game ever played in the historic rivalry and the most important single sporting event in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

This team achieved greatness against extraordinary competition because of the players' love and respect for one another. It is telling that a team led by three freshmen and two sophomores all forecast to be first round NBA draft picks, and all used to scoring 25 points a night in high school, were known first and foremost for their defense. Their willingness to

support each other on the defensive end translated into selflessness in their offensive attack, with a different player leading all scorers on any given night. The senior anchor to these young 'Cats was Darius Miller, one of Kentucky's favorite sons and a high school Mr. Basketball from Mason County. During his freshman season, Kentucky failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 18 years. After that disappointment, Miller has been a mainstay of teams under Coach John Calipari that have gone undefeated at home for three seasons, earning two Final Fours, an Elite Eight appearance, and a National Championship. Over his career, Darius played in more games than any Kentucky player in history and was one block and thirteen rebounds from having a career stats sheet with some 1,200 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 100 blocks, and 100 steals.

That Miller was the sixth man on this Kentucky squad demonstrates the explosive athleticism of Big Blue's younger stars. Leading the way was Anthony Davis who, with 186 blocks bested most entire teams in that statistic, cleaned up nearly every individual award for which he was eligible, including Freshman of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and the Naismith and Wooden National Player of the Year awards. Though ending the season with a 62% field goal percentage, he was scoreless in the first half of the National Championship Game and yet was Most Outstanding Player for his defensive abilities and capacity to ignite the UK offense. Davis along with fellow freshman point guard Marcus Teague started in a record forty games for UK and were the distributors for an extremely quick and highly efficient offense that was a perpetual threat in transition. Leading that attack were sophomore and freshman forwards Terrence Jones and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, dangerous whether around the rim or breaking free for an open jump shot, combining for an average 24 points a game. Sophomore Doron Lamb was the team's often unsung hero and clutch shooter, averaging 37% from the three point line during his career and killing the momentum behind several opponents' would-be comebacks. I could go on-and-on celebrating these leaders and the other players who made this team championship caliber. ``The Undeniables'' will be regarded as one of the greatest all-around teams in college basketball history and that eighth NCAA Championship banner now hanging in Rupp Arena will forever stand as testament to their place in the hearts of the Big Blue Nation. I wish all of these players the best as they continue their careers, whether at Kentucky or at the professional level.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the boundless energy and enthusiasm of Head Coach John Calipari, who forged a timeless team out of young freshmen and sophomores. Before Coach Cal's arrival, UK basketball was lost in the woods. In a single season he made the Wildcats into a perennial championship contender once again. But more importantly, he has worked selflessly to promote the University nationally and internationally, even more closely involved the community in the basketball program, and pursued philanthropic goals both through the University as well as with his private charity. This winning environment in Lexington is a result of the seamless teamwork and support of the coaching and training staff, Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart, and University of Kentucky President Eli Capiluto who, in his first year as president, is now one-for-one in national basketball championships.

In closing I would like to once again join the Big Blue Nation in congratulating the team, everyone affiliated with the University and UK fans around the world on a terrific season and our eighth national championship. What a banner year it has been!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true Kentucky Artisan, small businessman, veteran, teacher, and community leader, Alfred Cornett, for his many years of service and dedication to the Harlan County community.

As a native son of the Commonwealth and a World War II veteran, Alfred has been a valuable member and admired citizen of the Cumberland, Kentucky community for many years. Upon his high school graduation, Alfred honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of sergeant and was a member of the famed ``Phantom Army.'' His unit was involved in several key battles that were crucial to the success of the Allied Forces, including the Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Bulge.

Upon his return from the war, Alfred began his career working for Chrysler and General Motors in Dayton, Ohio while attending classes at an industrial electrical school in Chicago. Eventually Alfred moved to Harlan County, where he operated Cornett's Home Supply Company and Al's Radio and TV for many years.

In his time living in Kentucky, Alfred has become well-known for his craftsmanship of exquisite Appalachian dulcimers. Using wood native to the Appalachian region, Alfred has fashioned over 1,000 stringed instruments, highly sought after by musicians and collectors throughout the country. As the head craftsman at Southeast Community and Technical College, he has generously shared his extraordinary talents with the community through teaching numerous dulcimer-making classes and inspiring a new generation of craftsmen.

Alfred is an active member of his community, and has devoted his time and talents to many charitable projects through his participation in the Lion's Club. He is also involved in his church, Cumberland Missionary Baptist Church, where he has been a member since 1959. Alfred currently lives in Harlan County with his beloved wife of 56 years, Geneva.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alfred Cornett for dedicating years of service to Harlan County and for sharing his extraordinary talents as a woodworker and dulcimer craftsman.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this bill.

In article I, section 9, clause 7, the U.S. Constitution bestows upon Congress what we now call the ``power of the purse''--that the representatives of the people should distribute taxpayer dollars as warranted and needed. The line-item veto would weaken that power, shifting budgetary authority to the executive branch and giving the President a power that our Founding Fathers did not see fit to give to him. In fact, a previous effort to provide the President a line-item veto, as has been noted, was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1998.

Two weeks ago, during his State of the Union address, we heard how the President would choose to spend our precious taxpayer dollars. The line-item veto would strengthen the President's ability to give preference to his spending priorities over those of the Congress and the constituents that you represent.

Our Founding Fathers had seen firsthand what an absolute authority could do when wielding too much influence, particularly over spending and taxation, and they drafted our Constitution accordingly, providing for checks and balances to prevent too much power from falling into the hands of one branch of government, the executive. The Framers would surely shake their heads at the idea of transferring this much authority to the executive branch.

So powerful was this defense of Congress' role that James Madison in Federalist Paper No. 58 stated:

The power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the

most complete and effectual weapon with which any

constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the

people for obtaining a redress of every grievance and for

carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.

Not only does the line-item veto fly in the face of our Constitution and the Framers' protections, but budget experts also doubt its effectiveness as a spending reduction tool. Look back to Congress' experience with the line-item veto under President Clinton. He wielded this authority to little effect in saving taxpayer dollars. In fact, Congress declared that he ``misused'' that authority, and overturned nearly half of his cancellations. So, to summarize the line-item veto: It is a power likely to be abused and not likely to save money.

In an effort to better this flawed bill, to at least improve its chances at having a tangible effect on government spending, we offered an amendment in the Rules Committee that would have made the bill also apply to tax benefits and runaway entitlement spending. However, that amendment was ruled out of order. The amendment wouldn't have made this bill perfect nor would it have solved the constitutional problem, but it would have at least increased the potential for achieving actual budget savings.

Nearly 25 years ago, former CBO Director Rudolph G. Penner famously said in reference to our budget: ``The problem isn't the process. The problem is the problem.''

Mr. Chairman, today's problem isn't with whether or not the President can veto budget line items nor is it even with annual discretionary spending. On that front, we've saved more than $95 billion over the last 2 years, thanks to the support of this House.

The real problem today lies with exploding and unsustainable mandatory and entitlement spending, which the Budget Committee should be addressing forthwith. Mandatory spending comprises two-thirds of the Federal budget. We only deal with a third on discretionary--most of that military--and it continues to blow up the Nation's deficit and debt at these rapid rates, putting our economy and the stability of our Nation at risk.

I urge my colleagues to look beyond the opportunity for the easy press release in order to see that the line-item veto does more harm than good. We can't dismiss the fundamental tenets of the Constitution, and we can't pretend that it will have any positive effect on the Nation's financial predicament. We must put an end to these budgetary smoke screens to find more appropriate and effective ways to address our budget crisis and focus our efforts on mandatory entitlement spending, which is where the real problem is.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James I. Thacker, a dedicated public servant and brave member of the Pike County Sheriff's Department in Pikeville, Kentucky. His passing is a great loss and he will be deeply missed in Pike County.

For law enforcement officers and other first responders, a routine assignment can become dangerous at any moment. On Monday, January 23rd, James was serving papers at the end of his shift, when a vehicle crossed the center line on U.S. 460 and hit him head on. His comrades rushed to his aid, just the same as he had done so many times before for them.

James will always be remembered for his service to Pike County, both for his time as a Deputy Sheriff and his faithful years as a Constable. He served with compassion, loyalty and the utmost integrity. James' comrades highly respected him, and described him as someone who treated others as he wanted to be treated. He was an excellent officer and was always prepared to answer the call of duty.

James was a loving husband, a father of four, a grandfather and a former road foreman. His loss will be felt across the county

and his legacy will carry on in the hearts and lives of those who love him.

Let us remember that everyday our law enforcement officers are putting their lives on the line and that a routine day is never routine. On behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, I want to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Thacker family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a brave, public servant for the people of Pike County, Kentucky, the late James Thacker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Odell Merrick, a successful Kentucky businessman and longtime community leader of Pulaski County, Kentucky. His passing is a great loss to his family, his community, and to me personally.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of Cumberland Wood & Chair, Co-Owner of Somerset Wood Products, and Director of Citizens National Bank, Odell Merrick has left behind a legacy of successful business ventures.

In 1985, Odell founded Somerset Wood Products, alongside his son, Steve Merrick, which grew over the years to become a nationally- recognized manufacturer of hardwood flooring. Odell remained a co-owner with the company up until his death last November.

In addition to his many successful business ventures, Odell was a highly active member of his church, where he taught Sunday school for more than 30 years. Serving as both a Deacon and Chairman of his church, Odell has been highly involved in many church projects, including the founding of Somerset Christian School.

Odell was a man of service and dedication to his community and in 2010, he was honored by the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce with the highest honor for those who have made significant contributions to the community, the ``Distinguished Community Service Award.''

Odell Merrick leaves behind a devoted family: his loving wife of more than 53 years, Nancy Routt Merrick; their children, Steve Merrick and Debbie Eades of Somerset, KY, along with four sisters and grandchildren. On behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, I want to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Merrick family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great leader, entrepreneur and motivator, James Lawrence ``Jim'' Rose. He was a great inspiration and will be missed across the Commonwealth.

Jim Rose was a successful businessman with a thriving entrepreneurial mind and a philanthropic spirit. After attending Berea College and the University of Kentucky, Jim's first taste of success started in his hometown of Manchester, Kentucky. He launched a small coal company in 1959, leading to his post as president and chief executive officer of Interstate Coal Company, continuing to span his company across a dozen counties in eastern Kentucky. When he retired in 1993, the company was one of the top three producers of coal in the Commonwealth and was nationally renowned for its safe coal mining practices and mine rescue team.

In the late 1970's, Jim launched two successful banking ventures. He formed the United Bancorp of Kentucky, Inc. and guided a successful merger with National City Corporation in 1995. He and his wife Judy also became majority stockholders, in the Bank of Lexington and Trust Company and subsequently sold it. His savvy business instincts were coveted across the country and he proudly served as a director or member of numerous trade associations.

With a golden heart of generosity, Jim committed a vast majority of his time to civic and charitable organizations. He served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Kentucky and the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center, Centre College, and Lees College. He was a founding member of the Commonwealth Endowment for Kentucky Educational Television and served as a member of Kentucky's State Investment Commission. He left one of his largest footprints at the Lexington Christian Academy, where the ``Rose Campus'' covers 75 acres in Lexington, Kentucky.

Jim Rose leaves behind a devoted family: his loving wife of 49 years, Judy Sizemore Rose; his son, James F. ``Jamie'' Rose and his wife Kris; his daughter Sonya Rose Hiler and her husband Ken; eight grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. On behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, I want to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Rose family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a dear friend and inspiration, the late Jim Rose.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great leader, public servant, and an inspiration, Gene Huff.

Although he was born and raised in Ohio, Gene Huff planted his home in London, Kentucky, where he raised his family and pastored the First Pentecostal Church for 25 years. When he retired in 1994, he took the Great Commission to the airwaves with the launch of a 50,000-watt Christian Radio Station, WYGE. In combination with his desire to communicate, his passion for public service expanded beyond the stained glass windows, into the state capitol.

Gene was successfully elected to two terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives before he was elected in 1971 to the state Senate where he spent more than 22 years. During that time, he stood firm on conservative principles, representing his constituents with great honor and loyalty.

Gene Huff leaves behind a devoted family: his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Ethel Dayberry Huff, five children, 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. My wife, Cynthia and I extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Huff family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a divine public leader and minister of God, the late Gene Huff.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late George ``G.W.'' Griffin, a successful businessman in the food industry and admired leader in his community of London, Kentucky.

George began his career in 1950, at Laurel Grocery, a local wholesaler based in London, KY, where he served as President for 34 years up until his retirement in 1997. Using honesty and wisdom as the secret to his business success, George taught his co-workers to be forthright in following through with their commitments and careful in not committing to something they could not accomplish.

George's other grocery industry activities included chairing the Food Marketing Education Council, as well as sitting on the boards of the National-American Wholesale Grocers Association, and the Kentucky Grocers Association, of which he was elected president in 1979. A passionate and highly regarded businessman, Griffin was named the ``Grocer of the Year'' in 1986 and in 2005 he was honored as the first inductee into the Kentucky Grocers Hall of Fame.

Outside of his professional commitments, George served proudly in the United States Navy during World War II, and was very active in civic events and in service to his community. An avid golfer and thoroughbred horse owner/racing enthusiast, George traveled throughout the world to pursue his passions. As a graduate from University of Kentucky and a member of the board of trustees for 16 years, George was a diehard Kentucky fan, and never missed a home football game until he became too ill to attend.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in memory of George ``G.W.'' Griffin for his dedication and service to the leaders and families of Eastern Kentucky. His enthusiasm and zeal will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my most trusted advisors and one of southern Kentucky's most savvy political strategists, Donnie Girdler.

Donnie proudly served Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District as my field representative for nearly a quarter of a century. With sheer tenacity and courage of conviction, Donnie played a key role in orchestrating new opportunities and projects for southern and eastern Kentucky. However, it was his passion for politics that many sought during campaigns. Donnie's political insight was invaluable to local, state and federal leaders across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In fact, he became acquainted with five U.S. Presidents and assisted with presidential elections. Donnie befriended people from all walks of life and had a keen perception of character.

As a former U.S. Marine and a former Commonwealth's Detective, Donnie was a man of integrity and loyalty. He pledged his life to his country, his home region and especially his family. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Girdler family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a dear friend and a true patriot, the late Donnie Girdler.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs and to honor the soldiers who fought and died in this significant battle during the Civil War 150 years ago today.

The Battle of Mill Springs took place on January 19, 1862, in Pulaski and Wayne Counties in Kentucky and was the first significant victory for the Union Army in the west during the Civil War. The battle marks the death of Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer, who was the first general to die in the Civil War.

The Battle of Mill Springs was the second largest battle to take place in Kentucky and engaged over 10,000 soldiers. The outcome of this battle broke the main Confederate defensive line that was anchored in eastern Kentucky and opened the path for the Union Army to move through Kentucky and into Tennessee, affecting the outcome of the war.

The Mill Springs Battlefield is considered a National Historic Landmark, as the Mill Springs Battlefield Association along with countless volunteers have made significant strides in preserving the site and educating the public about this historic event.

With the Mill Springs Battlefield Association Visitor Center providing visitors with battlefield tours, access to Civil War artifacts, and a Civil War library, there have been 50,000 Civil War enthusiasts who have traveled to this uniquely preserved, nearly 500 acre historic battlefield. On this anniversary, I would like to honor and thank the Mill Springs Battlefield Association for preserving this important site, particularly Chairman Bill Neikirk, who has dedicated significant time and energy to the museum and battlefield acquisition. In honor of those who fought valiantly during the battle 150 years ago and in appreciation for all that Chairman Neikirk has done in preserving this historic site, an American flag will be flown over the Capitol Building on the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs.

Today I am also introducing non-binding legislation which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs and its significance during the Civil War, as well as binding legislation that directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a study which evaluates the feasibility of incorporating the battlefield into the national park system. Such an addition will ensure its preservation for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with the Mill Springs Battlefield Association and Civil War enthusiasts in commemorating this anniversary today and in seeking to preserve these hallowed grounds for tomorrow's visitors. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Mill Springs and to recognize those who bravely fought to help preserve the union of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following regarding H.R. 3672, Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2012:

I thank the chairman for yielding.

And I want to thank the members of the Rules Committee. Chairman Dreier and all of the members of that committee are required to work at all hours of the day and night. In fact, we were testifying before the committee last night at 12:30 seeking the rule on this bill; but that's par for the course for the Rules Committee, who work long, laborious hours with very little thanks. But I want to thank them.

And I want to say to Chairman Dreier and the gentlelady, the ranking member, there has got to be a special place reserved in heaven for those who labor in this vineyard. So thank you for the hard work that you do.

I want to say thanks to my colleague, my ranking member on the full committee, Mr. Dicks, who is with us in the Chamber. He and I have worked hand in hand in this process all year long. It's a very productive relationship. I value his advice and his help and he has been free to give that advice and help all year long. And this is the product of our work, a bipartisan, comprehensive effort to fund the government. And we want to get us back to regular order.

For the last several years, before we took over this body, appropriations was a mess. We didn't do any appropriations. We lurched from one continuing resolution to another, leaving the public bewildered. And so Mr. Dicks and I have determined, along with Senator Inouye and our colleagues in the Senate, to restore regular order, bringing one bill at a time to this floor and letting it be amended and debated at length, and then into a conference with our colleagues across the way. That's what we want to get back to.

Now, this bill that's before us today is a huge bill. I do not like omnibus bills; neither one of us does. We're not going to have them. But in order to clean up the mess that was left us, we had no choice.

I yield to the gentleman.

We're here because this bill is the product of our committee, but most importantly, it's a product of our subcommittees, Republicans and Democrats. They're the ones who put this bill together. Collectively all of those nine subcommittees are represented in this package here. It's been vetted by Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, all the way through, there are no earmarks here, there are no air-dropped provisions in this bill, it is a good bill. It's not perfect. I don't like omnibus bills.

But in cleaning up the mess left us, this bill is a good-faith effort to get '012 out of the way so that in '013, this January, we will be able to go to work on getting the 2013 bills done in the regular way.

I want to thank the staff for all the hard work they have done all year long, and I thank our colleagues.

Will the gentleman yield?

I've heard a rumor around here that today is sort of a special day for the gentleman. Is it true that a few years ago you were born on this date?

Happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise their remarks and include extraneous material on the conference report on H.R. 2055, H. Con. Res. 94, and H.R. 3672, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 500, I call up the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2055) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today to present the final fiscal year 2012 appropriations legislation, which includes the conference report for the remaining nine appropriations bills, as well as two other bills we will consider later that provide funding for disaster recovery and assistance.

For the second year in a row, Mr. Speaker, the Appropriations Committee, along with the body, has achieved significant reductions in Federal Government spending to the tune of some $95 billion in reduced spending. Never before in recent history has Congress cut spending 2 years back to back.

The Republican majority is truly living up to our commitment to slice Federal spending, getting our budgets back into balance and living within our means. The legislation also includes absolutely no earmarks, zero earmarks, abiding by the House rule.

This report and the disaster aid spending package signify the end of the road for the fiscal year 2012 appropriations cycle, helping to avoid a potential government shutdown and supporting vital programs and services the American people rely on.

In particular, Mr. Speaker, this bill provides funding necessary to support our national security, including funding for our military engagements abroad and our domestic obligations; benefits and programs for our veterans, active military, and their families; and Homeland Security efforts to keep our borders and communities safe and sound.

In addition, this legislation includes policy provisions targeted at reining in harmful government interference and protecting life, liberty, and the Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, after weeks of arduous negotiations on this package with our Senate counterparts, we've struck a fair, bipartisan compromise. No party got everything they wanted, but we have found a reasonable, responsible balance between reduced spending, wise Federal investments, and policy changes that American businesses need to thrive. With Christmas coming on, it's time we complete this important legislation and go home to our families and our friends.

We don't have much down time before our work will begin again on fiscal year 2013, and I'm hopeful that with the groundwork we have laid this year, cleaning up past years' messes, clearing the table for next year, when we can bring these bills separately and individually to the floor for our Members to debate, amend, and vote on. That's the goal. So I'm hopeful with the groundwork we have laid this year, we will be able to work through next year's appropriations in regular order and, most importantly, on time, so that we don't find ourselves in this situation next December.

One last note, Mr. Speaker: This result today would not have happened without the good will and the good work of the committee's ranking member, Mr. Dicks, who has been a great partner throughout this process. While things have been difficult, and we haven't always seen eye to eye, his knowledge of the process and his commitment to a fair and positive outcome have been a huge asset. His leadership has been critical to the bills we've passed, and certainly the one before us today.

Along with Mr. Dicks, I must thank the cardinals and the ranking members of the subcommittees to whom we turned to produce this bill that's before us today: Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks on Defense; Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Visclosky on Energy and Water; Chairwoman Emerson and Ranking Member Serrano on Financial Services; Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Price on Homeland Security; Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Moran on Interior; Chairman Rehberg and Ranking Member DeLauro on Labor-HHS; Chairman Crenshaw and Ranking Member Honda on Legislative Branch; Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop on MilCon; and Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Lowey on State and Foreign Operations. They worked through these bills with a sharp eye and a respect for the taxpayer and the programs that they dealt with.

Time and again, Mr. Speaker, throughout this year we've faced difficult and arduous tasks head-on, met every challenge before us. And without the leadership of these subcommittee chairmen and ranking members, we would not be here today. They've made up the package that's before us today.

Finally, I want to thank the staff, both sides of the aisle, majority and minority, hard work this year beyond

anything that I've ever seen. It's been a tough year with H.R. 1 in the spring that took so much time and effort, 500-plus amendments, and then the 150 hearings that our subcommittees have conducted making up this year's appropriations bills; and then after that, the effort that took place on the debt ceiling increase and the time and distraction that it took from the rest of the work we were doing. And then finally, the concoction and the makeup of this bill before us today. It has been a long, tough year. We have appropriated in 1 year for 2 years, both for 2011 and now for 2012, all in 1 year, in order to get us back to where we can go on regular order next year.

The staff has been absolutely arduous and dedicated week in, week out, day in and day out, night after night, holidays included. They've just been terrific. I want to thank our staffs on the committee, both sides, for all of the hard work that has taken place. Bill Inglee, the chief clerk on the committee, and David Pomerantz on your side, Mr. Dicks, what a terrific team that we have had backing us up. We're deeply indebted to these wonderful staff workers for us that have us where we are.

Finally, I want to say this. Today is sort of a special day, Mr. Speaker, for any number of reasons. I think we're going to wind up with a good bill here that will get the appropriations process over with, finally, for this year. But it's also a very, very special day for two Members who are on the floor with us this very minute.

One of them is my ranking member, Mr. Dicks, who's celebrating a birthday today.

Happy birthday.

Also, another gentleman is celebrating a birthday today, and that's Mr. Bill Young, the chairman of the Defense Subcommittee.

Happy birthday, Mr. Chairman.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.001

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.002

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.003

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.004

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.005

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.006

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.007

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.008

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.009

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.010

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.011

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.012

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.013

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.014

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.015

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.016

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.017

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.018

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.019

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.020

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.021

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.022

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.023

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.024

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.025

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.026

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.027

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.028

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.029

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.030

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.031

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.032

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.033

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.034

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.035

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.036

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.037

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.038

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.039

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.040

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.041

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.042

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.043

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.044

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.045

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.046

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.047

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.048

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.049

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.050

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.051

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.052

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.053

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.054

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.055

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.056

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.057

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.058

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.059

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.060

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.061

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.062

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.063

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.064

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.065

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH16DE11.066

I thank the gentleman for his words.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

(Mr. ADERHOLT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the very distinguished chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Appropriations, the gentlelady from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished chair of the State-Foreign Ops Subcommittee, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Granger).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman for those comments.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Interior Subcommittee, the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), a very hardworking member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I advise the gentleman from Washington that I have no further requests for time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge an ``aye'' vote on the measure.