[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1945-E1946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 3161--MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, 
  FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES PROGRAMS FOR THE 
     FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2007

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3161, 
the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug

[[Page E1946]]

Administration, and Related Agencies program. I regretfully do so even 
though agriculture is second only to tourism in terms of revenue for my 
home state of Florida.
  By passing this legislation in its current form, the House of 
Representatives is almost ensuring a veto from the White House. This 
bill would spend $91.5 billion including $18.8 in discretionary 
spending, and is $993 million over the President's budget request. I am 
concerned that if we send this bill to the President's desk with the 
current excessive spending, it will be vetoed along with many of the 
other fiscal year 2008 Appropriations bills. It is imperative that we 
write a bill with real reform and realistic spending levels. My 
constituents of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, along 
with the rest of America deserve legislation that contains realistic 
funding levels to ensure the safety of their food, promote 
conservation, provide assistance to those in need and protect the 
health of plants and animals through research.

                          ____________________