Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Monday, March 10, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Kit Bond today announced that he is now a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps' responsibilities include a number of essential functions, including operating the nation's lakes, providing flood protection, clean hydropower energy and efficient water transportation options.

"The ports and rivers are our artery to national and international markets," said Bond, who believes the Corps priorities are not adequately funded. "I intend to use this Subcommittee Assignment to ensure that we properly balance the competing demands on our waterways."

Bond, already chairman of the Senate VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, had the opportunity to add the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee to his already long list – five Senate Committees and 11 Subcommittees – of Senate Committee assignments.

The Energy and Water Subcommittee funds a number of federal agency operations, including the civil activities at the Department of Defense (such as Corps of Engineers programs), Department of the Interior, Department of Energy and a number of Independent Agencies.

Earlier this year Bond announced his chairmanship of the Environment and Public Work's Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, which authorizes the Corps of Engineers' activities. Today's announcement of his most recent subcommittee addition places Bond at both ends of the Corps of Engineers oversight process – authorizing and appropriating. As a strong advocate for the healthy and balanced management of the Missouri River, this is good new for everyone who cares about the Missouri River.

Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service to Missourians in the United States Senate.