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For Immediate Release: May 18, 2006

Contact: Kimberly Allen, (202) 226-8364; (202) 420-1524 [cell]

Rothman Fights $8 Million Cut to Clean Water Fund for New Jersey; Supports Alternative Energy Research

But Republican Majority Instead Passed a Bill that Slashes Spending on Safe Water, Under-funds Alternative Energy Research

(Washington, DC)— During a House Appropriations Committee meeting on Wednesday morning, Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) voted to eliminate a small portion of the tax cut for individuals making over $1 million and use those funds for clean drinking water and alternative energy research. The vote struck close to home as the Republicans proposed gutting state clean water funds by $872 million, which included cutting $8 million from New Jersey's Clean Water Fund.

"I have asked my Republican colleagues on the Appropriations Committee—the Committee that makes decisions on spending—to compromise three times now. Each time, they refused. Instead of asking the super-rich to sacrifice a tiny portion of their tax cuts so that we can adequately fund veterans' healthcare, homeland security, and clean water, they refused to budge an inch. While I will not speculate about their motives, it is indisputable that their priorities are wrong for America," said Rothman.

The Clean Water Fund provides money for wastewater treatment projects, pollution control, sewer runoff, and watershed and estuary management. All of these programs ultimately improve the quality of drinking water. In the past two years, Republicans have cut this fund by $463 million. Now, they are trying to increase the total amount cut to $622 million. If enacted, New Jersey will have lost over $27 million since 2004.

In addition to fighting for clean water, Rothman supported increasing the support available to help low-income people make their homes more energy efficient. Known as 'weatherization assistance,' this funding is essential in cold, urban areas like Northern New Jersey. The proposal Rothman voted for also increased the federal investment in research and development of alternative energy sources, such as biofuels, solar and wind energy, and geothermal technology.

Despite Rothman's support, the amendment to the 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations bill failed on a vote of 32-23, with all Republican Committee members voting no. Rothman has also voted for similar changes to the 2007 Homeland Security and Military Quality of Life and Veterans' Affairs Appropriations bills. Those compromise amendments proposed by Democrats also failed, with the Republican Majority on the Committee voting them down.

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