On the recordDecember 16, 2011
I too want to join the chorus in commending Chairman Rogers, Chairman Simpson, and our ranking member, Norm Dicks, and the phenomenal work of the appropriations staff on both sides. Rich Healey and Shalanda Young, for example, have been working on this bill for the last several months, sometimes through the night. But all the pros on the appropriations staff, they are led by David Pomerantz; his deputy, Lesley Turner; Bill Inglee. They are pros, and they all deserve special recognition. Mr. Speaker, this is a vast improvement over the Interior and Environment bill considered by the House in July. The agreement provides $1.7 billion more than the initial House allocation. And $8.4 billion is provided for EPA, it's 1.3 over the House bill. The agreement maintains basically level funding for the operation of the National Park Service, and it restores funding for the science programs in USGS land and water conservation front programs are increased by $22 million over last year's level. And it's important to note that we've restored funding for endangered species and critical habitat listings. Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson spearheaded a bipartisan effort in support of funding for Native American programs. And as a result, the Indian Health Service is increased by 6 percent, important increases in education, public safety, and tribal government. This agreement doesn't abandon our commitment to the arts.…
