"I look forward to a lively discussion with Administrator Leavitt at tomorrow’s hearing. I predict he’s going to have a tough time explaining how a proposed 7 percent cut in funding is an endorsement of the EPA by the Bush Administration. The President’s EPA budget proposal is on par with his environmental record, taking us two steps back rather than one step forward.” ------------------------------------------------- According to an analysis by the Environment and Public Works Committee minority staff the President's 2005 Budget request: Cuts the budget of the Environmental Protection Agency by 7.2% and slashes clean water infrastructure funding by 37% or $492 million from the enacted fiscal year 2004 level. Cuts funding for EPA's clean air and global climate change programs by 3% or $21 million from year-ago levels. Pledges to clean up a paltry 40 superfund sites in FY 2005, down from an average of 87 sites a year cleaned up during the second Clinton Administration. Cuts funding for Science and Research. The President's FY05 budget requests $689.2 million for Science and Technology a decline of 11.8% or $92.5 million from the FY04 enacted level of $781.7 million. Over 80% of this budget funds the EPA's R&D office. Cuts funding for EPA's building decontamination research program. The $8.2 million program is completely eliminated in the proposed FY 05 budget.