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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi Statement on Interior Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after the House approved the fiscal 2005 Interior Appropriations bill:
"This week's debate in the House of Representatives on the Interior bill exposed the Bush Administration's disastrous policies on the environment.
"First, because of the massive tax cuts pushed by President Bush and the Republican leadership, environmental initiatives are suffering from a severe lack of funding. Our national park system is in crisis -- visitor centers are keeping shorter hours, trails and buildings are in desperate need of repair, and there aren't enough employees to lead tours and monitor endangered species. Even though more and more visitors are coming to the national parks, funding is stagnant, and 241 of the 388 parks will actually receive less funding in 2005 than they did in 2003. And the bill provides no federal funding for purchasing new lands for parks, wildlife refuges, or recreation areas.
"Second, for the benefit of narrow special interests, the Bush Administration is systematically dismantling protections for our national parks and forests. In response, Democrats offered several amendments to the Interior bill to block the Administration's destructive actions, including one that passed, which would protect the magnificent Tongass National Forest from logging. Unfortunately, Republicans defeated the other amendments, including ones to prevent the Administration from issuing disastrous new regulations on managing our national forests and to protect Yellowstone, our nation's first national park, from the wear and tear of snowmobiles.
"While deficient in funding for other key areas, including services to meet the needs of Indian Country, an amendment to the bill increased the budget of the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.
"The bill also provides $20 million for the Presidio Trust in San Francisco, which is charged with transforming the former army base into one of our nation's premier parks."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
