Earl Blumenauer: “each year, funding for essential programs under this bill is drastically cut. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric…”

“each year, funding for essential programs under this bill is drastically cut. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the Community Oriented Policing Services, and the Public Telecommunications Facilities and Planning Account are all examples of successful and important programs that have been continually under-funded. While I have supported this appropriations bill in the past, the cumulative affect of these cuts has reached a point where I can no longer support the legislation. I was heartened to see the Sanders amendment pass which will repeal some of the most dangerous provisions of the PATRIOT Act. This is a common sense step to restore some of our civil liberties. I was also pleased that the Committee did not include the Administration's proposed initiative under the Commerce Department, which would have obliterated Community Development Block Grants as well as other valuable community development programs. These victories, however, are not enough to compensate for the unacceptable cuts to community policing programs, public broadcasting, and economic development programs, along with many other programs that positively contribute to the livability of our communities. I cannot support a bill that fails to support these basic needs of our Nation.”