Political Quotes

“concern over the size of the deficit is at an all-time high, and the last thing taxpayers want to see right now is a Federal program receiving an unjustified 50 percent increase in funding. Yet, that is precisely what is happening with the Department of Energy's hydrogen research program. Despite all of the hot air about cutting spending, the hydrogen research budget has ballooned. The administration asked for $7.3 million for fiscal year 1996, and the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee responded by providing $10 million. Then the Appropriations Committee saw fit to increase funding in the bill to $15 million, more than double the administration's request and 50 percent more than this year's funding level. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is very simple. It would reduce the appropriation for hydrogen research by $5 million. It would fund hydrogen research at its fiscal year 1995 level, and at the level recommended by the Energy and Water Subcommittee. The generous funding for the hydrogen program is excessive when compared to other funding levels in this legislation.”