[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H3960-H3961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AGRICULTURE SPENDING

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Langworthy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4368, the 
Agricultural Appropriations bill which stands as a beacon of hope for 
our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
  This bill represents a balanced approach to funding necessary 
agencies and programs, and it also reclaims fiscal responsibility and 
reins in the wasteful spending that has plagued our government for far 
too long.
  We, as stewards of the American people's resources, owe it to them to 
utilize taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently. One of the key aspects 
of this bill is the redirection of billions from partisan bills that 
contained Democrats' priorities, such as the Inflation Reduction Act.
  By channeling these funds toward supporting America's producers and 
rural communities, we demonstrate our commitment to the heart of our 
Nation's economy: agriculture. Additionally, we recognize the need to 
address the changing circumstances brought on by the pandemic.
  The bill seeks to restrict the USDA Secretary's discretionary 
spending authority on unauthorized, nonemergency programs. We must put 
an end to wasteful Washington spending and hold our government 
accountable for every dollar spent. It also seeks to kneecap the 
bureaucracy in D.C. by empowering State and county offices.
  By directing USDA hiring efforts to assist producers and rural 
communities at the grassroots level, we acknowledge the importance of 
local knowledge and understanding in addressing the unique challenges 
that they face.
  Moreover, the bill includes essential clawbacks of prior 
appropriations, rescinding funds that were allocated for radical Green 
New Deal initiatives and other programs that have been deemed 
unconstitutional.
  Mr. Speaker, I remind my colleagues that the fiscal year 2024 
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and 
Related Agencies bill is not just about funding, but it is about our 
values, our commitment to the American people, and our dedication to a 
prosperous future for this great Nation.

                              {time}  1045


                        Supporting Our Veterans

  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4366, the 
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 2024.
  This legislation reaffirms our commitment to serving those who have 
served us so bravely, our military veterans.
  I recently had the privilege of visiting the Bath, New York, VA 
hospital in my district, in Steuben County, where I witnessed firsthand 
the incredible dedication of the VA staff and the challenges they face 
daily in providing the best possible care for our Nation's heroes.
  There are clinics across my district that act as lifelines for our 
veterans, offering crucial services that range from mental health care 
to cancer

[[Page H3961]]

treatment and beyond. These facilities are responsible for serving 
thousands of veterans and empowering them to heal, recover, and rebuild 
their lives. They deserve our unwavering support, especially in their 
darkest hours.
  Mr. Speaker, we can agree that caring for our veterans is not a 
partisan issue, and I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation and 
secure the funds needed to uphold and strengthen our VA healthcare 
programs. By investing in these programs, we invest in the well-being 
of our veterans and their families and ensure they receive the highest 
standard of care that they rightfully deserve.

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