Alan B. Mollohan: “Mr. Chairman, the appropriations bill being considered today provides appropriations for a broad array of Federal…”

“Mr. Chairman, the appropriations bill being considered today provides appropriations for a broad array of Federal agencies. While our allocation of $112.7 billion, of which $90 billion represents discretionary spending, sounds large it is, in fact, not adequate to meet the varied needs of these important Federal agencies. It is a stretch to fund the growing number of veterans newly eligible for health care coverage, the renewal of long-standing housing commitments, and the necessity to increase investments in our Nation's research activities. Many accounts in this bill have been flat-funded for too long a period of time. Yes, this bill could use more money.”