Bob Beauprez: “I want to rise to express my strong opposition to language in the bill that earmarks $13 million in funding to continue…”

“I want to rise to express my strong opposition to language in the bill that earmarks $13 million in funding to continue operations at an existing U.S. Geological Survey mapping facility in Rolla, Missouri. This facility is planned to be closed based on a careful and thorough analysis of the 21st-century role of the USGS mapping. The amendment also prohibits the planned consolidation of the mapping functions at the USGS, which is estimated to save the American taxpayers millions of dollars. {time} 1330 Two formal investigations, including one by the Department of the Interior's Inspector General, have assessed the process used to select the consolidated site and have supported the decision. I would like to yield back to the chairman and engage him in a colloquy and suggest to him that we have an obligation here in Congress to be prudent stewards of the taxes that our constituents back home pay and give them value for the dollars with improved service. I believe this earmark fails both standards of accountability, and I would ask and hope that the chairman can correct that error in conference.”