Legislative Update

The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has approved the fiscal year 2008 Interior-Environment Appropriations Bill on a voice vote. The subcommittee recommended $50 million for 2008, a $20 million increase over the funded levels for 2007 and 2006.

President Bush's proposed budget, released in February, projected no funding for LWCF for the third consecutive year and planned to terminate the program. Advocates have been tirelessly educating members of Congress about the importance of this 50-50 matching grant program in the development of close-to-home public recreation resources.

This action by the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee is just the first step in a chain of actions needed to approve a final appropriations bill for 2008. Advocates should monitor the progress of the appropriations bills in the House and the Senate, and continue to voice support for this vital program as the appropriations process continues. The House Appropriations Committee will most likely consider the bill in mid-June.

Please look for NRPA Public Policy Breaking News alerts and regular Dateline Online Legislative Updates over the next few months as the appropriations process continues.