Russ Feingold: “I support Senator Sarbanes' effort to restore funding for our agencies and programs directed at natural resource…”

“I support Senator Sarbanes' effort to restore funding for our agencies and programs directed at natural resource conservation and management and some of our fundamental environmental responsibilities. The programs and agencies include the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the National Park Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Forest Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and others. I do believe that we must meet our stewardship responsibilities and the President's budget simply doesn't cut it. I do, however, want to flag a problem related to the Army Corps of Engineers. It is a problem that cripples the Corps: The minute its budget arrives on our doorsteps, Members of Congress scramble for Corps earmarks. We must move away from this earmarking and focus on national priorities. I will continue working to change the way this agency operates.”