Jim Nussle: “I rise to speak on H.R. 2754, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004. This bill…”

“I rise to speak on H.R. 2754, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004. This bill, which provides important flood protection, water transportation, energy, and irrigation services across the country is consistent with the House-passed budget resolution and complies with the Congressional Budget Act. H.R. 2754 provides $27.080 billion in budget authority and $27.173 billion in outlays--increases over the previous year's funding levels of $1.224 billion and $1.697 in BA and outlays respectively. This bill exceeds the President's request by approximately $279 million. Over the last 4 years, funding for this appropriations bill has increased at an annual rate of 5.9 percent. As chairman of the House Budget Committee, I am pleased to report that the bill is consistent with the House Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for fiscal year 2004--H. Con. Res. 95. H.R. 2754 also complies with section 302(f) of the Congressional Budget Act. Section 302(f), prohibits consideration of bills in excess of a subcommittee's 302(b) allocation. H.R. 2754 does not contain emergency-designated new BA. The bill does include $80 million in rescissions of previously enacted BA with $4 million in related outlays. In conclusion, I express my support for H.R. 2754 and yield back the balance of my time.”