Todd Tiahrt: “In this amendment I seek to restore the appropriation to the level authorized by the Committee on Science. The chairman…”

“In this amendment I seek to restore the appropriation to the level authorized by the Committee on Science. The chairman of the committee, the gentleman from Ohio, in the House budget resolution had set the fossil energy program at $150 million for 1996. The Committee on Science then, after careful deliberation, reviewing all research and development programs, authorized even more funding at $220 million. The Interior appropriations bill, however, adds an extra $170 million to the level authorized by the gentleman from Pennsylvania in the Committee on Science. Mr. Chairman, it is important for the American people to realize that money is spent in Congress after the rigorous authorization process. The committees in Congress study the issues, hold long hearings and vote on the funding levels after long and tough debates. This process is not perfect, but it is the process that usually results in responsible compromise. To add $170 million more to the level authorized by the Committee on Science is excessive and thumbs the nose at the Committee on Science. We worked hard to follow fiscal responsibility principles, because we want to balance the budget for the future of this country and for the future of our children. Almost one-half of the increase to the fossil energy program goes to the clean coal program.”