James T. Callahan: “Mr. Chairman, it is my privilege to bring before the body today the fiscal year 2002 appropriations bill for energy and…”

“Mr. Chairman, it is my privilege to bring before the body today the fiscal year 2002 appropriations bill for energy and water needs facing this country. We have tried desperately to work with all the Members on both sides of the aisle to bring before you today a fair bill, a bill that has addressed most of the concerns of the Members who have contacted us. Mr. Chairman, there have been extensive contacts with us. In our deliberations we have come forward with a bill that I think provides the administration with ample funds for energy and water and reclamation needs in this country. The bill agrees with President Bush that we should constrain government growth. I am happy to report that this bill constrains government growth because it is only increased about a one-half of 1 percent over the FY year 2001 level of funding. The total funding in H.R. 2311 is $23.7 billion. This is $147 million, as I said, less than one-half of 1 percent, more than fiscal year 2001, for energy and water development programs. Title I of the bill provides funding for the civil works program of the Corps of Engineers. The Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development is unanimous in its belief that these programs are among the most valuable within the subcommittee's jurisdiction. The national benefits of projects for flood control, for navigation and shoreline protection substantially exceed project costs.”