Committee on Energy and Commerce, Democrats Home Page
Who We Are Schedule What's New
View Printable Version
Outline of the top of the U.S. Capitol Dome

 

NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman


For Immediate Release: February 4, 2008
Contact: Jodi Seth or Brin Frazier, 202-225-5735

 

Dingell Response to Bush Commerce Budget

Washington, D.C. – Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2009 (FY 09) budget request for the Department of Commerce:

“At a time of growing economic distress in this country, President Bush’s request for decreased funding for key Commerce Department programs represents significant disregard for the well-being and productivity of American workers and businesses. Moreover, these cuts fly in the face of the Commerce Department’s purported goals of maximizing U.S. competitiveness and promoting innovation.”

“I plan to seek detailed clarification from Commerce Secretary Gutierrez about proposed funding decreases for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In my view, such irresponsible cuts will hinder the Nation’s capacity to generate robust economic growth.”

The President’s FY 09 budget proposes:

  • A $1.3 billion overall increase to the Commerce Department’s budget;
  • A $141 million decrease in funds for the Economic Development Administration, which helps to increase economic growth through capacity-building, planning, infrastructure investments, research grants, and strategic initiatives; and
  • A $100 million cut in funds for the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, whose programs help to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness.

- 30 -

Prepared by the Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515