Committee Chairs Respond to President Bush's Budget Proposal
Chairman George Miller of the Education and Labor Committee:
Bush Budget Fails Workers, Children, College Students, Families, and the Economy, Says Chairman MillerWASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement today on the Bush administration's proposed budget for the 2009 fiscal year.
"For workers, students, children, and families, this budget is a disaster, full of cuts to essential services and wasteful spending on ideological gimmicks. The Congress will continue to work to restore common-sense budget priorities and fiscal sanity to Washington."
Education
"The President's proposed increase for funding for public schools through the No Child Left Behind law is not enough even to keep pace with inflation. The President has made it clear that he intends to end his administration the same way he started it -- by breaking his promises to public schools and schoolchildren.
"At the same time, the President is recycling his failed school voucher idea, once again branding it with a new name and proposing to spend $300 million on it. But school vouchers, which take money away from cash-strapped public schools and deliver it to private schools, are and always have been a bad idea. Congress has rejected them in the past and will reject them now. The President also proposes to cut $281 million in funding from a proven after-school program and use that money for -- what else? -- yet another new voucher scheme.
"The President's budget falls short on helping schoolchildren with disabilities. It eliminates vital programs to help more high school students reach college or enter the workforce ready to succeed. It eliminates important sources of financial aid for low-income students trying to pay for college. It cuts funds for education technology and school safety at a time when schools are struggling to make the leap into the 21st century and offer a safe and drug-free learning environment. And it fails to make essential new investments in early childhood education, even cutting 100,000 children from a child care assistance program."
Labor
"For workers in an uncertain economy, the Bush budget for 2009 goes in the wrong direction. It cuts over $888 million from the budget at the U.S. Department of Labor. Just last week we learned that the U.S. economy had lost jobs, yet the Bush budget would cut job training by over $234 million at just the time when more workers are sure to need it. And as he has in the past, the President proposes to replace the nation's job training programs with a voucher. Vouchers are the President's wrong-headed answer to everything, but workers who are out of a job don't need a voucher -- they need help finding a new job.
"Finally, at the same time that the President is urging Congress to enter into a free trade deal with Colombia, he is proposing to eviscerate the office responsible for writing labor standards into trade agreements. The American people have made it clear that they don't want trade agreements that lack strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards."
The Economy
"From an economic standpoint, the President's budget makes no sense. At a time when the economy clearly needs a boost, he is proposing to cut funding for essential services for low-income families, such as assistance to help families pay their home energy bills. It's also disappointing that the President doesn't recognize the need to provide extended unemployment insurance and additional aid to the states. All of this undermines our efforts to get the economy back on the right track -- and keep it there -- by getting money into the hands of people who will spend it."
Chairman Bennie G. Thompson of the Committee on Homeland Security:
President's Homeland Security Budget Neglects America's NeedsFebruary 4, 2008 - (WASHINGTON) -- Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding President Bush's FY 2009 budget for the Department of Homeland Security:
"It's impossible to secure our nation without securing our communities first. The President's budget neglects firefighters, police officers, and other emergency service providers who respond to our calls for help by slashing their funding. The President must back up his rhetoric and provide resources where a clear need exists.
"We face many challenges in the year ahead, including the transition of a presidential administration, and the continued development of this new department. What we must expect and insist from the President is a budget and plan that ensures the Department's resilience and makes the nation safer.
"Over the last few years we've seen that disasters can strike anywhere at anytime, sometimes with little warning. The Department of Homeland Security's work doesn't end with facing the challenge it continues with implementing a solution.
"I have provided the Department of Homeland Security with an eight point plan, 'Charting the course to freedom from fear,' that can help to attain these goals," said Rep. Thompson.
The President's budget fails to provide adequate funding to some of the most significant homeland security issues. For example:
The Proposed Elimination and Reduction of Key Programs in the President's Budget Compromises the Nation's Capacity for Response, Resilience, and Recovery in the Wake of a National Catastrophe:
" The budget includes a colossal $750 million (79%) cut to the State Homeland Security Grant Program.
" The President's budget cuts funding for the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant program by nearly 50% and proposes eliminating the SAFER firefighter staffing program.
" The President seeks to eliminate funding for the Metropolitan Medical Response System in FY 2009.
" Congressional Democrats rebuffed efforts to eliminate this critical program last year, and funded MMRS at $41 million for FY 2008.
Although an Improvement, the President's Budget Falls Short of Implementing a Common Sense Border and Port Security Strategy:
" The budget requests funding for only 539 new Customs and Border Protection officers, which is far fewer than necessary to address security lapses cited by a recent GAO report.
" Finally, the budget requests only $10 million to address deficiencies at CBP-owned ports of entry, which is almost insignificant compared to the need for additional security, new inspection facilities, and replacement of aging infrastructure.
Despite Modest Improvements, the President's Budget Resists Scrutiny of the Department's Functionality, Governance, and Accountability:
" The President's cut the budget of the Office of Inspector General - The decision to cut the Department's "internal watchdog" is deeply troubling.
The President's Budget Lacks the Specificity and Transparency Needed to Develop Technology and Educate Future Homeland Security Experts:
" The President has finally increased funding to secure federal government information networks after grossly under-funding them for years.
" Sadly, the President sought funding cuts to University Programs including a $788,000 cut to Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) programs.
" While funding has been designated for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs, the Department has more to do to provide accessibility and opportunity for minority- and women-owned business.
The President's Budget Enhances Aviation Security but Leaves Vulnerable other Critical Modes of Transportation:
" Despite Congress' action in the 9/11 bill to significantly increase funding for rail and mass transit security, the Administration's budget request significantly shortchanges those efforts.
The President's Budget Fails to Prioritize the Preservation of Civil Liberties in Times of Terror:
" The President's budget falls short and additional funding is warranted.
The President's Budget Dismisses the Need to Connect the Dots Regarding Intelligence and Information Sharing:
" The President's budget request falls short of what is necessary to deploy Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) staff to State and local fusion centers on the aggressive timetable described to the Committee during hearings last year and in the Budget-in-Brief itself.
" This is particularly troubling in view of the fact that GAO has identified establishing appropriate and effective information-sharing mechanisms to improve homeland security (including fusion centers) as a "high risk area" for the Department.
The President's Budget Fails to Support Strategic Planning and Coordination to Shield the Nation's Critical Infrastructure from Foreign and Domestic Terrorism:
" The President's budget proposes a $14.1 million cut in resources for the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) Program Management which is the very foundation for infrastructure protection in the United States.
Chairman Nick J. Rahall of the Natural Resources Committee:
An Administration Groundhog Day Budget for Natural ResourcesWashington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, today said the Bush Administration's proposed FY 2009 budget for natural resources programs merely repeats the same failed policies of past budgets that shortchange our ability to preserve and protect America's heritage for future generations.
"This is a true Groundhog Day budget that simply and agonizingly repeats the ludicrous budgetary policies that the Congress and the American people have consistently rejected, year after year, after year, after year," Rahall said. "This budget axes forest programs, undercuts our wildlife refuges, puts programs to save endangered species under the knife, neglects the needs of our National Parks, and puts a stopper in important water programs."
For seven years, the Bush Administration's policies have resulted in the elevation of oil and gas drilling above all other uses of public lands.
"These skewed priorities have served only to whet the Administration's thirst to drill, while leaving a disgraceful legacy for the management of these irreplaceable resources. This year's request continues that trend while reducing funding for conservation and restoration of depleted resources on our public lands," Rahall said.
Interestingly, the budget proposes to fund several initiatives promoted over the past two years by Rahall and Committee Democrats during consideration of energy legislation, but rejected by Republicans at the time, such as: repealing royalty relief for deepwater and deep gas production, requiring upfront and full payment of coal leases, and requiring oil and gas operators to pay for the cost of processing permits to drill on the public's lands.
Rahall pointed out that the Administration's failure to meet its inaugural promise to spend an additional billion dollars annually to retire the existing National Park Service maintenance backlog. While the $712 million request for Parks facility operations and maintenance in the FY 2009 budget appears generous, this figure hardly puts a dent in the more than $8 billion in estimated backlog costs -- a figure that is more than double what it was when President Bush took office in 2000.
"From collapsing cannon carriages at Gettysburg National Military Park to crumbling drinking water supply systems throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, it is clear that our Parks need a significant infusion of cash to take care of the repairs that seem so unglamorous yet make such a difference in resource preservation and visitor enjoyment in these locations," Rahall said.
The budget also undercuts important Forest Service fire prevention measures, skimping on monies for hazardous fuels reduction that are critical to fending off fires and saving eventual fire-fighting costs. As in previous years, the White House request represents only about 65 percent of the funding level authorized by Congress.
The Administration proposes spending $146.8 million for the Endangered Species Program, a $3.7 million decrease below last year's level.
"Given the huge debacle caused by Julie MacDonald, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, tinkering with science that has led to Interior's being forced to revisit decisions on endangered species listings, the ESA budget should be dramatically increased. Instead, this figure does not even adequately support existing needs of listed species, let alone begin to correct the quagmire created by an unchecked MacDonald," Rahall said.
Likewise, Rahall expressed disappointment that Fish and Wildlife has been targeted for an almost $3 million cut for its law enforcement activities that are critical to controlling an escalating international trade in illegally harvested wildlife, poaching on federal lands, and other activities that diminish the public's ability to enjoy our National Wildlife Refuges.
The President's budget contains a $16.6 million cut -- a decrease of more than 70 percent -- in Title XVI water reuse funding in the Bureau of Reclamation's budget, failing Western communities that are facing drought and their residents who count on the program for needed water and also eliminating needed jobs.
"This was the President's last chance to end the recurring budget nightmare that has set the Interior Department on a steady path of neglect and deterioration," Rahall said. "Somebody pinch this Administration and get it to wake up to the reality of its repeated fiscal fiascos."
Chairman Bart Gordon of the Science Committee:
Gordon on President's FY09 Budget: Plan Shortchanges U.S. Competitiveness Efforts(Washington, DC) U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) offered the following comment on the Administration's FY 2009 budget submitted to Congress today:
"Today, the Administration submitted its Fiscal Year 2009 budget request to Congress. While the almost $3.11 trillion budget includes $147 billion for R&D, it proposes an incomplete and short-sighted plan to promote U.S. competitiveness."
"Last August, Congress passed and the President signed into law the America COMPETES Act (COMPETES). A response to the 2005 National Academies' report Rising Above the Gathering Storm, and supported by a wide range of U.S. industries, universities, and science organizations, COMPETES seeks to ensure U.S. students, teachers, businesses, and workers will continue leading the world in innovation, research, and technology well into the future."
"COMPETES will assure that our nation produces not just the world's leading scientists and engineers, but the technical workers needed in all sectors of the economy. That's why the law authorizes increased funding for basic research and early career scientists as well as robust K-12 math and science education programs at NSF and other agencies."
"The President's budget boosts funding for basic research at NSF, but doesn't make education a priority -- Robert Noyce scholarships and Math and Science Partnerships to train STEM teachers and students are underfunded by more than $100 million and $60 million, respectively. The President noted in his State of the Union address that U.S. math scores among some students were up. However, according to the most recent indicators, U.S. high school students rank 25th out of 30 developed countries in math and 21st out of 30 in science. There is more work to be done -- and underfunding COMPETES initiatives doesn't help in that effort."
"COMPETES also seeks to ensure that U.S. companies and small businesses lead the world in innovation and create jobs in the process. Since taking office, this Administration has overseen the loss of 3.4 million manufacturing jobs with 217,000 jobs lost in 2007 alone, and manufacturing employment in the U.S. now stands at its lowest point since 1950. COMPETES seeks to reverse this trend with robust funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and Technology Innovation program (TIP - formerly ATP) -- both of which have proven track records for return on investment and job creation. However, the Administration's budget phases out MEP and eliminate TIP immediately. These are good American job creators this budget is putting in jeopardy."
"Finally, COMPETES seeks to help reduce our energy dependence and address global climate change through an Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Modeled after the Department of Defense's successful DARPA program, ARPA-E is charged with rapidly developing and commercializing transformational clean energy technologies."
"The 'new' proposals in the Administration's budget with regard to energy are nothing new at all and simply miss the point. Instead of showing true leadership in energy research by establishing ARPA-E, the Administration points in this budget to a few existing programs and a vague policy statement as a sufficient alternative. ARPA-E should be a small but aggressive new program that reports directly to the Secretary, pursues truly cross-cutting research that does not fit into the current bureaucratic research departments, and extends federal energy research funding beyond the National Laboratories to academia and the private sector."
"The President is right that basic research included in his American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) is important to our economy and our future. But he's undoubtedly wrong that we don't also need an educated workforce, an investment in small manufacturers that create jobs, and a commitment to cutting edge research."
"Last year, the President threatened to veto appropriations bills that would have come much closer to fully funding COMPETES, as well as his ACI. The Administration should listen to the businesses and educators and scientists and engineers in this country and support full funding of COMPETES this year."
Chairman John Conyers of the Judiciary Committee:
Conyers Criticizes Bush Budget as Short-Changing Law Enforcement(Washington, DC) -- Today, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) criticized President Bush's budget for cutting critical funding for vital law enforcement programs. "This budget is harmful to the American people, law enforcement and our nation's priorities," said Conyers. "While spending lavishly on the war in Iraq, the president continues to shortchange the needs of our communities."
* He proposes a 75% cut in overall law enforcement -- from more than $1.7 billion Congress appropriated last year, down to barely $400 million. The COPS program, the Weed & Seed program, and the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants will be dismantled and consolidated. And the Office of Violence Against Women would be cut by almost a third, from $400 million to $280 million. These cuts will seriously undercut States' ability to fight crime and ensure the safety of our citizens.
* For the third straight year, the President proposes to cut funding for the Legal Services Corporation. This year, he proposes $311 million, $40 million below what Congress appropriated last year. This cut would harm the ability of LSC to help victims of domestic violence, keep families in safe and affordable housing, and safeguard poor consumers, especially the elderly, against predatory lenders. The current foreclosure crisis has dramatically increased the number of poor Americans seeking legal assistance from LSC grantees. Across the country, LSC-funded programs are seeing an increase of up to 3 times more calls from people seeking assistance with foreclosure cases. LSC grantees are also continuing to help people rebuild their lives from the impact of natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina, California fires, and the floors in the Midwest and Northwest.
"The President's budget drives America further into record debt while doing precious little to improve the quality of life," said Conyers. "This Congress must continue working to realign these misplaced priorities to better reflect the needs and values of the American people."