Judd Gregg: “Thank you, Senator Crapo. I agree with your comments about the importance of these resources, and I applaud your…”

“Thank you, Senator Crapo. I agree with your comments about the importance of these resources, and I applaud your leadership in this area. While the President's request for these accounts is lower than many would like, I believe that during the appropriations process, Congress will try to remedy this problem. As you know, historically, the President tends to request lower funding levels for these accounts, and Congress usually pluses them up through the appropriations process, often quite significantly. For example, in 2004, 2005, and 2006, Congress provided considerably more for the Clean Water SRF Program than the President requested, +492 million, +291 million, and +$157 million, respectively. As Congress works to finalize the fiscal year 2007 budget resolution, I will continue to work with you on these issues. Additionally, in my role as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will certainly be cognizant of the funding needs for SRF Programs.”