James M. Jeffords: “In the clean water arena, the budget before us today fails to recognize the staggering water resource needs of this…”

“In the clean water arena, the budget before us today fails to recognize the staggering water resource needs of this Nation. A recent poll by Frank Luntz, a well-known Republican pollster, documents the widespread support among Americans for Federal investments in clean water protections. The poll showed that 91 percent of Americans are concerned that our waterways will not be clean for our children and grandchildren. It showed that 91 percent of Americans agree that if we are willing to invest billions of dollars annually in highways and airways, we should be willing to make the necessary investments in our Nation's waterways. It showed that 90 percent of Americans believe that a Federal investment to guarantee clean water is a critical component of our Nation's environmental well-being. The Water Infrastructure Network in 2000 estimated $380 billion dollars are needed for clean water and drinking water over 20 years. The EPA in 2002 estimated $270 billion are needed for clean water and $265 billion are needed for drinking water. The Congressional Budget Office estimated a range of $132 and $388 billion are needed for clean water and $70 and $362 billion are needed for drinking water. In light of these statistics, the administration responded with a 37- percent cut in the fiscal year 2005 budget. This is truly astonishing.”