Statement of Senator Craig Thomas
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Oversight Hearing
Environmental Protection Agency's Budget FY 2001
February 23, 2000

Thank you Mr. Chairman for holding today's hearing. I know I join you and other Members of the Committee in wanting to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency's budget priorities reflect the programs Congress entrusted the Agency to administer.

Mr. Chairman, as in previous years, the EPA's budget contains funding for several initiatives which I believe, do not accurately reflect Congressional intent. For Fiscal Year 2001, the Administration is requesting the largest increase ever for the EPA's operating budget, while at the same time, cutting funds for popular and successful state-administered programs. Certainly, it is this Committee's responsibility to see that the Agency's focus and funding resources are directed to programs the EPA was authorized to implement.

Again Mr. Chairman, I thank you for holding today's hearing and I look forward to hearing the Administrator's justification for these funding proposals.