Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives is expected to approve today the $20.4 billion Department of Interior spending bill, which includes an increase of more than $1.4 billion over the Bush administration’s proposed budget for 2003, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense, a national budget watchdog organization.

“Fiscally responsible lawmakers are becoming an endangered species,” commented Aileen Roder, budget analyst for Taxpayers for Common Sense. “Debate over the spending bills has just started and we are already busting the budget.”

One of the bill’s biggest increases is an additional $175 million for Fossil Fuel Energy Research and Development. The President had requested $489 million for this research slush fund for big energy and lawmakers have increased this to more than $664 million. Other major increases include $30.4 million for the Cooperative and Endangered Species Conservation Fund and $40 million for the State Wildlife Grants Fund. The National Park Service received a boost of $21.02 million for its Operation budget. The Bureau of Indian Affairs benefited from a bump of $21.95 million for Operation of Indian Programs.

“The annual Washington pork fest has begun! Lawmakers have abandoned all fiscal discipline in order to funnel more money back to their home districts,” continued Roder.

The spending bill also increased the Department of Interior’s budget to $9.97 billion, $518 million more than the administration had requested. This is despite massive financial management problems at the agency, including serious mismanagement of the Indian trust program. The Department of Interior manages over $3 billion in trust funds and over $1.8 billion in budgeted resources for tribes yet the agency cannot assure account holders of accurate balances or that their assets are being managed properly.

“The congressional gravy train is moving and is leaving taxpayers at the station,” concluded Roder “Only a presidential veto can stop these big spenders before they take us all for a ride.”

Contact: Keith Ashdown
(202) 546-8500 x110

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