Lloyd Bentsen: “I rise in support of H.R. 2500, legislation to fund the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations for…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2500, legislation to fund the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2002. Though the measure calls for a reduction to the highly successful COPS community policing program, I believe that this measure, on balance, adequately addresses our domestic and foreign commitments to justice and crime prevention. The bill would fund the activities of Commerce, Justice and State departments, as well as the judiciary and related agencies, at $41.5 billion, which represents an increase of about 4 percent over the current spending levels, 2 percent more than the President requested. It is important to note that the President's budget calls for increasing the funding level for all appropriated programs is to be increased by 3.8 percent over the Congressional Budget Office's 2002 baseline, which is about the amount necessary to maintain purchasing power at the 2001 level. However, adherence to this strict limitation, while at the same time increase defense and education spending, translates into a 1.2 percent reduction in funding in real terms. Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker, I believe H.R. 2500 represents a reasonable starting point for negotiation with the Senate over funding priorities, taking into account the fact that the Senate traditionally sets funding at a higher level than the House.”