John Joseph Moakley: “Mr. Speaker, I have five sites in my district, which are in the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, and…”

“Mr. Speaker, I have five sites in my district, which are in the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, and that is why I am very concerned about the transfer of FUSRAP from the Department of Energy to the Corps of Engineers, which has been included as part of this appropriations bill. DOE has already completed cleanup in 24 of the 46 FUSRAP sites around the country, and is currently planning an accelerated cleanup of the remainder. I have a great deal of respect for the Army Corps of Engineers, and I have no doubt that over time it can do a fine job with FUSRAP, but I do not think this is the time to switch horses in midstream. The administration also opposes this transfer of authority over FUSRAP. In a letter to Chairman Livingston of the Committee on Appropriations dated July 16, Franklin Raines, the Director of OMB, states: The administration strongly opposes the transfer of the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program from DOE to the Corps of Engineers. Transferring this well-managed program to another agency would be disruptive and would most likely delay completion and increase costs. I hope this particular provision can be addressed and changed in conference with the Senate.”