Kaptur statement on 2015 Energy & Water Development Appropriations

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 is essentially flat when compared to 2014. I know you were faced with very difficult decisions with this allocation, particularly on the Defense allocation. 

Let me first express my appreciation for the bipartisan approach you and your staff took in developing this product. I do believe it is a reflection of interests on both sides of the aisle.

I appreciate the robust funding for the Corps of Engineers, the balanced approach you took to the energy accounts and the levels of funding for science and ARPA-E.

I do have concerns with amounts provided to certain accounts within the bill. In particular the level of funding for the nonproliferation activities of the NNSA and the Defense Environmental Cleanup account where, despite the Chairman’s best efforts on these fronts, the Subcommittee’s allocation was simply insufficient to address the many competing needs.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Clean Water Act riders. It would be our preference that they not be included as you well know.

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.