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Upward Spending Trend Shown in Appropriation Bills

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies did approve a draft bill to fund the Interior Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service and related programs. It would provide $32.1 billion in discretionary spending, 16% above the fiscal 2009 level, not including funds from the economic stimulus program. The bill is slightly less than the one approved by the House Appropriations Committee last week.

The bill would provide $3.6 billion for Environmental Protection Agency programs to repair sewer and drinking water infrastructure. That's a 119% increase from last year's base funding. The bill would also provide the EPA with $10.2 billion, a 33% increase over the previous year. That includes $400 million for a new program to restore the Great Lakes.