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Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

First, I would like to thank Mr. Latham and Mr. Pastor for including language in the manager's amendment that designates some unexpended funds at the FRA for activities related to improving the rail transport of energy products like crude oil.

I appreciate the efforts of the Chairman and Ranking Member to put this bill together. Their job was made all the more difficult by a much lower than expected FHA and Ginnie Mae receipts.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I appreciate the efforts of Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Farr to put together this bill, which provides adequate funding for vital programs such as international food aid, nutritional assistance, and food safety.

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today decried the proposed allocations for labor, health and education programs, which were opposed by all Democrats on the Appropriations Committee. DeLauro is the senior Democrat on the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations Subcommittee. The Republican Majority is attempting to cut over $1 billion from programs that fund critical areas such as medical research, early childhood education, job training programs, education for children with special needs, and worker safety programs.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

It may come as no surprise that I rise to oppose the subcommittee allocations offered today by the Chairman.

Most of us in this room voted for the budget “deal” that prevented another shutdown, averted default, and provided this committee two years’ worth of certainty. I supported that bill and the FY 2014 omnibus bill containing ALL TWELVE appropriations bills.

Neuroscience funding was one of several key priorities championed by Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) that received a boost in today's full Appropriations Committee markup of the FY 15 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Act. As Ranking Member of the CJS Subcommittee, Fattah helped steer more $51.2 billion in net discretionary funding to the Departments of Justice and Commerce, the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and other related agencies under the subcommittee's jurisdiction.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

I want to thank you for listening to our concerns and for keeping an open dialogue as we have moved through the process.

The Chairman received a tough allocation. On paper, it looks like the allocation is nearly $1.2 billion higher than last year. Don't be deceived.

Because of the sharp differences between OMB and CBO's receipt estimates for the FHA program, this bill is actually $1.8 billionlower than the FY 2014 bill.

Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First, I want to thank Chairman Rogers and my ranking member, Nita Lowey, for the commitment that they made to regular order, which is why we have our second appropriations bill on the House floor by May 1. It is my hope that we can stay true to this commitment throughout the remainder of this year.

Mr. Chairman. As you all know, this bill has a strong reputation for finding bipartisan common ground as members work together to fund the construction of military facilities and strive to improve the quality of life and care afforded to our veterans and military families. Once again, Chairman Culberson has continued this tradition. The bill before us provides funding levels that I think most members on both sides of the aisle agree are appropriate, while avoiding contentious legislative riders that complicate passage.