Conference Report on H.R.2361, Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2361, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 06, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2005
Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference agreement on the Department of Interior Appropriations, H.R. 2361, because it addresses urgent needs within our veterans' health care system. Last month, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a $1.3 billion shortfall in funding for veterans' medical care, and it is estimated that in FY 2006 this shortfall could grow. This is unacceptable. With thousands of new veterans entering our health care system every year--including those that have fought in Iraq, Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism--we must provide the resources they need and deserve, as well as continuing to provide for those who came before them. This bill provides $1.5 billion in emergency funding in FY 2005 for veterans health care and keeps our promise to those who have so honorably served our nation.
This bill also provides a $5 million increase for the National Endowment for the Arts. I support this investment in our artistic resources. It enhances the richness of Minnesota and our nation's cultural legacy and allows participation in the arts by many who would not otherwise have the opportunity.
Regrettably, this bill falls short on supporting the federal programs that conserve our environment and protect the public's health. This bill cuts funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund by 17 percent. This fund allows states to allocate funds for local water and sewage treatment projects. St. Paul Regional Water Services recently applied for Clean Water funds for a water filtration project and were denied because there wasn't enough funding.
Funding for the National Park Service is also cut by three percent. These dollars are used to protect our national treasures like Voyageurs, Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks. The maintenance backlog at our National Parks has increased from $4.9 billion in 2000, when President Bush pledged to eliminate the backlog, to $7.1 billion today. We should give the Park Service the resources to maintain these national treasures instead of slipping farther and farther behind in unmet maintenance needs.
I am pleased to support our nation's honored veterans. Unfortunately, while this bill could have done so much more to keep our families and communities strong and healthy and protect our nation's cherished natural resources for generations to come, this Congress failed to make the environment and public health a priority.
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