Joseph Knollenberg: “I am very opposed to increasing this program at the expense of other critical programs. There are a number of reasons.…”

“I am very opposed to increasing this program at the expense of other critical programs. There are a number of reasons. The committee mark fully funds the amount requested by the administration and fully funds the program that has been in place for the last decade. These funds go to State and local governments to abate lead-based paint in homes that will not be restored through modernization or resale. Three years ago, the Senate began a new demonstration program and added between $50 million and $75 million. The House has not included these funds in subsequent years, and the Senate has attempted to continue the demonstration program each year. They may well try to do so again. The committee is simply not in a position to absorb a $60 million increase in funding for this demonstration program at the expense of programs that are being funded at the 2005 level or below. This is not an appropriate trade-off. Mr. Chairman, I urge that the amendment be defeated and we work to determine if the program should be included during conference. {time} 1415”