Barbara Mikulski

I contacted you, Mr. Administrator, about the need to have an updated study about what is the job impact on water infrastructure.

I think this is an area of bipartisan agreement where we need more water and sewer dollars.

We have got a $4 billion backlog.

We don't need cuts in these areas.

I just cannot, for the life of me, see why we would cut clean water funding.

Let me tell you, while he is getting himself together, and we look for the answers, the subcommittee feels that this is one of the most important areas that we can pursue.

Mr. Leavitt, I welcome you to your first VA-HUD hearing, but this is a pretty big deal question.

Could you tell me what would be the consequences of this cut?

I am puzzled why they are cut.

The subcommittee will continue to stand sentry against cuts to Federal enforcement.

I'm concerned that this EPA budget doesn't get us there.

The budget request cuts over $800 million in water and sewer project funding.

There is no national framework that even comes close to addressing the national needs.

It's been the history of NASA to over promise both in terms of what it can deliver, when it can deliver, and when it could deliver it.

We are very concerned about the fact where are the scientists and engineers coming from, and how to get young people excited in this.

We can't do space science without our astronauts and we know that.

What concerns me with the President's recommendation and vision is that there is not enough money to do it.

We're going to have to look at the consequences of deferring new space and earth science missions.

I believe the vision is an exciting one, it is what has excited humankind every since Icarus tried to go.

One of the things that I think we both admire about NASA is not only the exploration of what's out there, but the invention of technology, the new ideas that then lead to new products, that also benefit the larger American community.

If you could furnish to the committee essentially a sequencing of the calendar if you will, so that we can get a sense of time frame.

But, roughly, it's about $375 million to $400 million.

But Mr. Administrator----

So what do we need to make sure? Do you have enough money in fiscal year 2004, or do we need to be ready to do something in partnership with you.

And No. 2, how much will you need for fiscal year 2005 to continue to make, to implement the $15 million we need to Return to Flight, but then the other $14 million----