Phil Gingrey: “today I rise in an attempt to rein in what some might see as the most modest of items. Certainly the $3 million my…”

“today I rise in an attempt to rein in what some might see as the most modest of items. Certainly the $3 million my amendment would strike is a minute fraction of the $19.1 billion we are going to spend in this emergency supplemental package on Katrina relief. Specifically, my amendment strikes the $3 million for the National Historic Preservation Fund. It is my understanding, Mr. Speaker, that the money would be used for section 106 reviews. These reviews are required to assets effects of certain undertakings on historic properties by activities of the Federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. Some may ask, why strike this particular program from the bill? The answer is not because I don't like the program or even that the money won't be needed at some point down the line. Rather, I am offering this amendment today to make the point that if we are passing an emergency supplemental, then we should only be including emergency money. If we need to initiate a project on or near an historic property during a time of emergency, shouldn't the government bureaucracy just get out of the way and waive section 106 reviews, thus saving critical time and money for the vital life needs of those who are and have been affected by Hurricane Katrina? Mr. Chairman, I will support the overall legislation because I understand the emergency needs of our troops.…”