Aderholt Statement on Passage of Fiscal Year 2013 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
Legislation will continue and strengthen America’s homeland security efforts while trimming excess spending

Washington, D.C.— Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the House Committee on Appropriations, today released the following statement after H.R. 5855, the Fiscal Year 2013 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by 234-182.

“This bill addresses our Nation’s most two most urgent needs— security and fiscal discipline,” said Aderholt. “Over the past three fiscal years, this Subcommittee has cut over $3.4 billion in discretionary funding and has reduced the Department’s budget by 8 percent. The measure passed today provides $39.1 billion in discretionary funding for the Department and is a reduction of $484 million below the current fiscal year and $393 below the President’s request.”

“H.R. 5855 fully supports frontline operations, including border and maritime security, immigration enforcement, investigations, targeted aviation security activities and disaster relief. The bill also includes key investments in the areas of cybersecurity, preparedness grants and research programs that promote much-needed job growth and innovation.”

“Additionally, H.R. 5855 makes up for the $115 million shortfall again created by the Administration’s use of phony, unauthorized airline fees. The bill also includes robust oversight provisions, including intensified spending and reporting requirements and withholds funding until those requirements are met. Further, the bill holds the Administration’s feet to the fire when it comes to enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws. Their repeated attempts to water down enforcement will not be tolerated by this Subcommittee. The Department must both enforce and comply with the law.”

“The passage of H.R. 5855 strengthens our Nation’s homeland security efforts and marks another important step in getting the federal government’s fiscal house in order. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will take swift action and I look forward to the bill’s final passage,” concluded Aderholt.

For a list of amendments adopted by the House, please visit: 
http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/06.07.12_Homeland_Security_Floor_Adopted_Amendments.pdf

For the text of the bill, please visit:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr5855rh/pdf/BILLS-112hr5855rh.pdf

For the bill report, please visit:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt492/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt492.pdf 

For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov.

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