Ernest Istook: “I rise in support in particular of the section on transportation, treasury, and independent agencies, which is included…”

“I rise in support in particular of the section on transportation, treasury, and independent agencies, which is included as division F of this bill. This is the first time that this body packaged together this particular grouping of agencies, including transportation, the Treasury Department, the executive office of the President, and independent agencies, such as the General Services Administration and the Office of Personnel Management. This portion of the conference report contains $89.8 billion. That is just 3.7 percent above the level enacted for fiscal year 2003. Nondefense discretionary spending is below the President's budget request and below the fiscal year 2003 level. However, we are able to establish important priorities. In particular, Federal aid to highways will receive a $2 billion increase. Even within the overall constraints, a $2 billion increase for highways, going from $31.8 billion to $33.8 billion. That addresses the most critical transportation needs in the entire country. It also provides much-needed jobs and will assist in relieving congestion in the overburdened highway system.”