|
|
|
Opening Remarks of Del. Madeleine Z. Bordallo
Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
Oversight Hearing on FY 2008 Budget Request for the NOAA and the FWS
February 27, 2007
Today's hearing focuses on the budget request for two agencies within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This is our first hearing this Congress and my first hearing as Subcommittee Chair. I welcome the Members and look forward to working with all of you.
This afternoon we will address the challenges facing both agencies given the budget realities. While the Administration's press release boasted of significant increases for ocean programs in Fiscal Year 2008, the budget request for NOAA is $123 million less than the funds appropriated in Fiscal Year 2006. In contrast, the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative recommended an increase of $750 million over Fiscal Year 2006 levels to adequately manage and protect the ocean resources that contribute billions of dollars a year to the U.S. economy.
Similarly, the budget request for Fish and Wildlife Service programs subject to annual appropriations is $58 million less than the enacted level for Fiscal Year 2006. There is a $2.75 billion backlog for operations and maintenance at our national wildlife refuges, and a $145 million maintenance backlog at our national fish hatcheries. Even if the agency receives all the funds in its proposed budget, there are about $40 million in unaccounted expenses, such as fuel, that are not included in the budget. It is hard to see how we are going to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people under these budget realities.
This hearing will focus on the agency's priorities, given the competing demands. I welcome our witnesses and look forward to their testimony.
|
|
