The budget again delays the Offshore Patrol Cutter, OPC, with estimates that we will not have an OPC operational until 2020, 2022.

I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, for his work on this in authoring this resolution. I think, as Mr. Pitts mentioned, both sides of the aisle have worked together on this issue. I know many times the American…

As you know, I put an emphasis on speed because I feel that the quicker we get construction back, the better communities are.

the American worker we believe should get a preference on the jobs funded by their tax dollars.

This study was conducted over eight years ago when Deep Water was the plan for recapitalizing the aging Coast Guard fleet.

The fiscal year 2013 grant proposal from the department builds on the reforms that this committee implemented back in fiscal year 2012.

Your fiscal year 2013 budget includes, as has already been mentioned, $6.1 billion for disasters including over $3 billion for the cost of disasters that have already occurred such as the tornadoes that struck my home State of Alabama just…

There are still staffing shortages across the fire service. And the effect of FIRE and SAFER to improve on that shortage is something I think we should build on.

I discussed in my opening statement, Secretary Beers, about the budget including an unprecedented $202 million for the new cyber initiative to help reduce other departments and agencies' cyber risk levels.

They should be strengthened, they should be made more transparent, and they should be applied very aggressively by all of our agencies.

It is obvious that you have no intention to fully fund the NSC.

It is imperative that the Coast Guard do the same.

What I would like to do is come back for another round after the vote, so we will suspend for a few minutes for votes.

There are numerous communities in Alabama right now that are waiting for reimbursement. Are there ways to in some way simplify the process while still allowing for oversight of the funds?

I do believe that we need smart public investments in our infrastructure to increase the efficiency of our economy.

We are very concerned with the new inclusion of additional agencies that would be eligible.

The failure is unacceptable to this Subcommittee.

And then, also, I understand you have put emphasis on maintaining working lands in agriculture--that is, refocusing conservation efforts so that conservation is achieved but land doesn't have to be taken totally out of production.

I can tell you that we have proposed in this budget $60 million for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program.

Also in the same regard--and, again, this may be something you need to check on--but I understand that USDA is looking to complete the development and implementation of the Catfish Inspection Program.

When Congressman Aderholt learned of and questioned the claimed issues, your Department admitted there were no budgetary and logistical concerns.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in strong support of the conference report. I want to thank Chairman Rogers, as well as Ranking Member Norman Dicks, for his leadership and their commitment as we went back to regular order in…

Earlier today during rollcall vote No. 745, the Motion To Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2608-- Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012, I was inadvertently recorded as a ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea.''

I thank the distinguished chair for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this must-pass resolution. This CR not only keeps the government operating, but it provides a substantial infusion of desperately needed funding…

I want to thank the distinguished chairman of the full Appropriations Committee for yielding, and, Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this must-pass resolution. Not only does this CR provide the necessary funds and authority to…