Hal Rogers: “I thank the chairman for yielding the time. I rise in strong support of this bill. This bill, the first for fiscal '13…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding the time. I rise in strong support of this bill. This bill, the first for fiscal '13, marks one of the earliest starts to the appropriations process in recent memory, which is a good sign for moving all 12 bills before the September 30 end of the fiscal year. {time} 1430 I look forward to an open and transparent process as we consider each of the bills, staying faithful to our commitment to smart, reduced levels of spending to help do our part in controlling the Federal deficit. I want to especially commend Chairman Wolf, Ranking Member Fattah, members of the subcommittee, and my colleague and ranking member, Norm Dicks, and all of the staff who have hard work invested in this bill. The Appropriations Committee has held more than 100 hearings and briefings since January, which helps us determine the best use of limited tax dollars that we must spread out over a great number of vital Federal programs, services, and Agencies. The Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill is in line with the House-passed budget resolution. It totals $51.1 billion, which is $1.6 billion below current level and below the pre-stimulus, pre-bailout level of 2008.…”