Celia Israel: “This amendment is simply an overreaction to a policy proposal in the administration's fiscal year 2017 budget request.…”

“This amendment is simply an overreaction to a policy proposal in the administration's fiscal year 2017 budget request. The budget request proposed to redirect funds currently allocated to payments to States and shift them toward Federal programs that serve the Nation more broadly. {time} 2340 The proposal wasn't included in the bill because the Committee on Appropriations rejected it. The appropriation process is just that, it is a process. The administration submitted a proposal, the committee evaluated it, and the power to accept or reject the proposal lay with the committee. This amendment would unnecessarily stifle any proposal to amend the current formula, which is unnecessary, because Congress would need to enact legislation before any changes could be made to the formula. The Department of the Interior does not have the authority to change the formula through rulemaking or other administrative action. Basically, Mr. Chairman, this would prohibit the Department from even suggesting an idea for Congress to consider. I urge my colleagues to preserve the integrity of the appropriations process and the Committee on the Appropriations and oppose this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”