Earl Blumenauer: “my colleagues Mr. Walsh and Mr. Mollohan and those on the Appropriations Subcommittee have been given an impossible job…”

“my colleagues Mr. Walsh and Mr. Mollohan and those on the Appropriations Subcommittee have been given an impossible job given the BBA of 1997. Had the entire budget process been more honest, we would not have the situation that we are in, today. Had the budget process been more honest, Congress probably could have passed this bill before the August district work period. Instead we are here pitting the NASA scientists against the veterans, against the children who participate in AmeriCorp against the segment in our society who needs help with affordable housing so they are not on the streets homeless. All of these programs are worthy of our support and all contribute to help make our communities more livable. Some would say that this process helps us set our priorities, others would say that this just shows who is more politically organized. In reality it is probably a slight demonstration of both, but since this is a political arena it favors the politically organized. Is it any wonder that the federal government spends 14 times more on space exploration than in oceanic research? NASA's proposed budget is $13.85 billion while the two agencies that do oceanic research NOS and NIPHS' budget combined is only $930 million. I believe Congress should tone down the political nature of budgeting and be in the business of making communities more livable.”