FY2016 Interior, Environment Appropriations Bill Approved by Senate Committee

Press Release

The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the FY2016 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill], a $30.01 billion measure to promote responsible resource development on public lands while funding important environmental programs.

The bill, the first such spending measure marked up in the Senate since 2009, recommends funding for the Interior Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Forest Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services), and numerous agencies and programs regarding the management of public lands, including national parks and forests. The bill addresses growing concerns across the country about aggressive EPA regulatory proposals. It was approved 16-14.

The Senate bill would provide $1.05 billion in emergency fire suppression funds. The measure fully funds the 10-year average for firefighting and includes a new budget cap adjustment so that when these funds are exhausted the agency has access to additional resources so they do not have to borrow from other programs to pay for firefighting in severe wildfire seasons. In addition, the bill provides additional funding to address backlog construction and maintenance projects for the National Park Service in order to provide for a safe visitor experience. It also fully funds contract support costs for the Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs in support of tribal self-determination.

"While this bill includes important funding increases across numerous accounts and agencies, this legislation is not just about spending. It is a measure to improve government efficiency and reduce federal spending in numerous areas. It provides an appropriate balance of congressional oversight to ensure the Executive Branch remains within its jurisdictional boundaries so that taxpayers are not subject to undue regulatory burden and red tape," said U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. "I look forward to the Senate taking up this bill as soon as possible."

"I thank my colleagues for the time and energy they spent crafting this legislation. It balances responsible spending while still producing a bill that reflects the will and priorities of the nation," said U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. "I welcome the Senate's return to normal order and look forward to a robust debate on the measures in this bill that addresses the needs and concerns of everyday Americans."

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