Joseph Knollenberg: “first let me state that I am a supporter of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program. I think it is apparent…”

“first let me state that I am a supporter of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program. I think it is apparent from the recommended level of funding in our bill. Mr. Chairman, the President requested that this program be transferred to the Department of Justice, a Department not under the jurisdiction of this subcommittee, at a level of $207 million. Given the wide support for this program, we retain the oversight of the program in the TTHUD subcommittee and increased funding above the President's request $20 million to that $227 million level. I would support my colleague's amount if this were not a zero-sum situation. But this increase has to come from another program, in this case the National Archives and Records Administration, or NARA. NARA has a projected $12 million shortfall right now, even if they receive full funding for fiscal year 2007. A hiring freeze goes into effect on the beginning of July. A cut of $12 million could result in serious staffing issues at the National Archives. Additionally, there is a projected reduction in research hours and hours open to the public and other measures that have to be taken even with full funding. A $12 million cut would impose further reductions on operating hours, something that I oppose; and I urge my colleagues, therefore, to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”