Rob Bishop: “This is not an easy budget area. In fact, it is a very complex one, but this subcommittee has worked to produce what, I…”

“This is not an easy budget area. In fact, it is a very complex one, but this subcommittee has worked to produce what, I believe, is one of the best bills we have seen in years in this particular area. Is it perfect? Of course not, but it does move the ball forward. It moves us forward. {time} 1700 I appreciate the efforts on the part of Chairman Calvert, especially to work with us in the authorizing committee to try and see if we can coordinate as many of these programs that are in here. Because it is important to realize that this appropriation bill is not just about programs of the government. Every one of these programs affects people. And if we are not moving it forward so that the people are helped instead of harmed, then we are doing something that is very myopic, and we put blinders on us, and we don't see where we are actually trying to go. That is why I appreciate this particular bill. This is an effort to move us forward so we are actually doing programs that assist and help people. I want the committee, the appropriators here, to realize I do appreciate their effort to work with us on the authorizing side so that we can work together for a common goal. I am happy to be able to support this particular effort. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. Kilmer), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.”