Frank Lautenberg: “the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies appropriations bill presents an all too common dilemma--inadequate funds and very…”

“the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies appropriations bill presents an all too common dilemma--inadequate funds and very deserving programs--and the choices we must make are very difficult indeed. I appreciate the difficult job the chairman and ranking member had in dealing with an insufficient Section 602(b) allocation. However, as a strong advocate for our environment, and as ranking on the Budget Committee, I am very disappointed at the level of funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's operating budget. The mark for EPA's operation is $200 million below the President's request and the budget agreement. I am specifically concerned that we are continuing to add duties to EPA without the accompanying resources. This budget does not provide the funding needed to meet Congress's demands that EPA carry out more cost-benefit analysis in its regulations, for additional outreach to small businesses, and for fuller consideration of stakeholders in the regulatory process. Nor does it provide adequate funding to combat global warming. Indeed, at a recent Environment and Public Works Committee hearing the only issue on which all the witnesses agreed was the need for more funding for critical climate change research. I am also disappointed that the mark does not include any funding increase for superfund. I understand the chairman believes that superfund must be reauthorized before that money is appropriated. I disagree with that assessment.”