I want to work with Chairman Murkowski to restore the Land and Water Conservation Fund, including funds for both new and continuing acquisitions.

I am concerned that this budget cuts $99 million from IHS facilities despite the Service's estimated $10 billion construction backlog.

You cannot simply ratchet up defense spending while undercutting education and law enforcement and housing assistance, victims' assistance, Medicaid, workforce training, and on and on.

I'm committed to continuing this funding despite the administration's proposal to stop supporting the Navajo in the States in this effort.

Given the President's bold statements about supporting rural jobs and building infrastructure, one of the most surprising cuts to the Forest Service budget is within the capital improvement and maintenance program.

I was originally heartened by your commitment to toxics reform, but last week EPA announced new policies that would weaken the risk evaluations at the heart of the program.

I would be less than honest with you if I did not tell you that this budget was a wreck.

this budget is dead on arrival.

This budget claims to take care of the agency's core functions by focusing on existing Federal lands rather than grants or new land acquisitions.

I am very disappointed, Chief Tidwell, that the President's budget makes no attempt to provide supplemental funds to shore up the 10-year average or to address the longer term structural problems with the wildland firefighting budget.

I am very concerned by your decision, Mr. Secretary, to spend only one hour with Tribal members while other stakeholders received substantially more of your time.

We need to do better and I think this subcommittee will do better when it comes time to write our appropriations bills.