    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [February 15, 2007]
    [Page 155]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations
    Legislation
    February 15, 2007

        I am pleased that the final bill for the Fiscal Year 2007
    appropriations process complies with the overall spending limits that I
    set. That means for the third year in a row, domestic discretionary
    spending will be below inflation. However, I remain concerned that the
    bill, in many cases, reflects the wrong spending priorities. In
    particular, the bill shifts funding needed for our Armed Forces to
    unrequested domestic programs. The Congress should work to address these
    priorities without adding to the deficit.
        I am pleased this legislation makes progress on earmarks, but there
    is more to do. As the Congress takes up the 2008 budget, it should
    continue to take steps to improve transparency for all earmarks, provide
    the option of an up-or-down vote for each earmark, and reduce the number
    and cost of earmarks by at least half.

    Note: The statement referred to H.J. Res. 20, which was assigned Public
    Law No. 110-5.