[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                             Appropriations

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, this week, the Senate will begin 
consideration of the first package of full-year appropriations for the 
coming fiscal year. This is an important milestone and a downpayment on 
our goal of funding the Federal Government through regular order.
  Our progress on this front has been due in large part to the 
leadership of Senator Collins and Senator Murray of the Appropriations 
Committee. For months--months--our colleagues have worked diligently to 
build consensus and process as many bills as possible with deadlines 
looming large.
  The legislation before us this week is designed to address a trio of 
important commitments--to America's farmers, to our veterans, and to 
investing in transportation infrastructure.
  Seven percent of American adults are veterans of the Armed Forces. 
Ten percent of American jobs are supported by agriculture. And our 
entire economy hinges on safe and efficient airports, roads, bridges, 
and ports. So it is difficult to overstate the importance of this 
legislation, but it is especially important that we get it right. To 
that end, I hope and expect that all Senators will receive ample 
opportunity to offer amendments for consideration.
  Ultimately, our work will need to earn the support of a divided 
Congress and earn the President's signature. So I am grateful to our 
colleagues' commitment to regular order appropriations, and I look 
forward to supporting a sensible step forward in the coming days.