Visclosky Opening Statement at Energy & Water FY13 Subcommittee Markup PDF Print

April 18th, 2012

As Prepared For Delivery

“Mr. Chairman, I want to congratulate you on beginning the markup process for the Energy and Water bill. I would also like to thank the majority Subcommittee staff and your personal staff for their great work.

“As you have already pointed out, the allocation for Energy and Water, $32.1 billion, is nearly one billion below the President’s budget request and $88 million over 2012. I know you were faced with very difficult decisions with this allocation. 

“Let me first express my appreciation for the inclusion of additional funds for core Nonproliferation activities and the focus on American manufacturing.

“I would also note my support for some of the things you did not do – there are no new Department of Energy hubs or new starts in the Corps of Engineers.

“I do have concerns with amounts provided to certain accounts within the bill, in particular the reduction in funding relative to last year’s level for the Corps of Engineers and the Office of Science. I am convinced that if we do not make proactive investments in our physical and research infrastructure we are risking the economic competiveness of our nation. Unfortunately, despite the Chairman’s best efforts on these fronts, the Subcommittee’s allocation will result in a bill that continues the dramatic underinvestment in our nation’s waterways and scientists.

“In spite of these concerns, Mr. Chairman, I would like to reiterate my appreciation for your work with us on many issues, you have ensured the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee continues its tradition of bipartisanship—the Subcommittee has operated collaboratively and effectively for many years and, within the constraints you were faced with, you largely addressed the interests we have expressed.

“Thank you again, Mr. Chairman for the time.”

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