David Price: “My amendment would restore the EPA's Science and Technology account to 2017 levels. I offer this amendment to underscore…”

“My amendment would restore the EPA's Science and Technology account to 2017 levels. I offer this amendment to underscore the importance of environmental research to the health and safety of the American people, as well as thousands of jobs in my district and across the country. This amendment is framed in increase-decrease terms for the simple reason that, given the subcommittee's inadequate allocation, there is simply no place to turn for an offset. The EPA's Science and Technology account funds research and development activities within the agency, supporting the work of the world's leading environmental research enterprise and informing the environmental policies that Congress enacts. The bill on the floor today would cut this account by $105 million, a 15 percent reduction. About the only good thing I can say about that is that it isn't as bad as the Trump budget, but it is still a deep and devastating cut. Mr. Chairman, we have to restore these funds as this bill moves through the remaining stages of the process. The EPA's Office of Research and Development funded by this account not only supports EPA programs in air, water, toxicology, and energy research, but it also facilitates innovative partnerships with some of the premier higher education and research institutions in the country. EPA research facilities employ more than 2,000 people, supports some 700 affiliated jobs in my district alone.…”