Agriculture Spending

Floor Speech

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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. Supporting Our Veterans

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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 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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