Forwarded by Jane Clark at [log in to unmask] Below is an alert from
Izaak Walton League about an issue that Sierrans are concerned about ------
This year is critical to pushing through Corps reform and we have good
facts
and a favorable administration to work with. We need to stop this bad
rider
and others that may follow over the next few weeks. Even if you can call
just one Senator's office it is a help! Don't need to go into much detail
- Mainly just tell the aide you want the Senator to vote against the
Domenici Rider blocking Corps Reform. Corps reform is needed!
Please take the time to call Senator Harkin and Senator Grassley and ask
them to oppose the Corps rider on the Senate agriculture appropriations
bill today.
Senator Tom Harkin (202) 224-3254
Senator Charles Grassley - (202) 224-3744
A Legislative Advisory from the Izaak Walton League.
Senate action this week threatens to thwart the Clinton Administration's
attempts to reform the US Army Corps of Engineers. Senate Republicans
opposed to Corps reform have attached a rider to the agriculture
appropriations bill that would permanently bar the Administration, and
all future administrations, from expending funds on changing how the
Corps evaluates projects or makes decisions. Iowa Senators Harkin and
Grassley could be critical votes in efforts delete this rider.
Specifically, the rider says this:
"None of the funds made available in this or any other act may be used to
restructure, reorganize, abolish, transfer, consolidate, or otherwise alter
or modify the organization or management oversight structure, existing
delegations or functions or activities applicable to the Army Corps of
Engineers."
Since February, the Corps has been mired in controversy after is was
revealed that top Corps officials had ordered their subordinates to
fabricate the economic justification for a $1.2 billion expansion of
navigation facilities on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Shortly
thereafter, it was disclosed that the military leadership of the Corps,
without the knowledge or consent of the civilian authorities in the
agency, were developing plans to expand their construction by more than
$2 billion over the next five years. Much of the Corps' planned
construction, particularly the Mississippi and Illinois River project,
would harm fish, wildlife and environmental quality.
Senate leaders have stalled Administration efforts to reform the Corps,
now they want to permanently prevent any changes in the agency despite
growing evidence that the Corps is failing in their obligations the
nation's water resources.
IWLA's objections to the rider are these:
- Congress should not interfere with the Administration's legitimate
authority to direct the activities of an Executive Branch agency.
- Substantial evidence exists that the Corps has been violating its own
regulations and the directives of Congress in order to justify expensive
construction projects, The Mississippi/Illinois River project is just
the tip of the iceberg.
- There is substantial evidence that Corps military officers have
repeatedly ignored their civilian superiors in order to further their
own narrow view of the agency's mission.
- The time is upon us to reform the Corps and insure that the nation's
water resources and the public interest are adequately protected.
- If Congress wants a role in shaping a new vision for the Corps, then
let them hold hearings on the issue and advise the Administration. The
back-door approach of using a rider on unrelated bills is ALWAYS bad
public policy.
Please take the time to call Senator Harkin and Senator Grassley and ask
them to oppose the Corps rider on the Senate agriculture appropriations
bill.
Senator Tom Harkin (202) 224-3254
Senator Charles Grassley - (202) 224-3744
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