Jerry Lewis: “I rise in support of H.R. 5384, the agriculture appropriations bill for the year 2007. This is the third of 11 bills the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 5384, the agriculture appropriations bill for the year 2007. This is the third of 11 bills the committee plans to bring to the House floor before the 4th of July break. I want to especially praise Chairman Bonilla and Ranking Member DeLauro, as well as members of the Agriculture Subcommittee and their staff, for the very fine work done on this bill. In total, this measure provides $18.4 billion in total discretionary spending. This level represents a decrease, that is a decrease, of $96 million below the FY 2006 enacted level. The bill contains critical funding to protect health and safety, fulfill our commitment to important food and nutrition programs and support farmers and ranchers, as well as rural America. I would like to make, Mr. Chairman, two additional points about the measure. First, the bill before us today includes $435 million in Member-project funding, which is $35 million below, that is, below last year's House-bill level. It is $277 million below last year's House- Senate conference report as well. This bill also terminates eight programs resulting in $414 million in taxpayer savings; eight programs, $414 million in taxpayer savings. Mr. Chairman, this agriculture bill is Mr. Bonilla's last bill as chairman of this subcommittee; and to say the least, this bill is a very fine product, and it is worthy of our support. I want to commend Mr. Bonilla and certainly Ms.…”