Lynn C. Woolsey: “there is an old saying that, ``You can put a dress on a pig, but it's still a pig.'' While I am happy that the FY06…”

“there is an old saying that, ``You can put a dress on a pig, but it's still a pig.'' While I am happy that the FY06 Interior Appropriations Conference Report includes $1.5 billion to make up for the funding shortfall for the Veterans' Administration, VA, it does not mask the horrible choices that were made in the rest of this bill. It's still a pig. This legislation includes cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, decreases in the number of STAG grants, and completely eliminates many conservation grants. Ensuring that the VA has the funding it needs is one of my highest priorities, which is why I am so disappointed that this money was included in a bill that undermines our environment. It is sad that veterans' have been shortchanged by President Bush who was all to eager to send troops off to war, but failed to account for the cost of their care after they had dutifully served their country. The underestimation by the White House of $1.5 billion for this year is only the tip of the iceberg with the shortfall for next year already projected to be $2.6 billion. Unfortunately, the shortsightedness of the Republican majority failed to include this spending where it should be, in the Military Quality of Life Appropriations bill. However, Mr. Speaker, in spite of the shortcomings for the environment, I will vote for this bill to support our troops.”