[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2361, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
       ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

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                               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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