U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, led all EPW Republican Senators in sending a letter to Gina McCarthy, Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regarding funding for state drinking water investments.

"The Agency has yet to provide reasoning to Congress that would justify endorsement of the proposal to cut the fund by 24 percent. SRF programs are important to the continued investment in local clean water initiatives, and to insuring safe and clean water for all Americans," wrote the Senators. "Such cuts to the program have been rejected in the past by both Republicans and Democrats alike. In light of this recent history, it appears that EPA is counting on Congress's support for the program to sustain its funding levels, in order to create the illusion of fiscal responsibility."

In the past several years, EPA has requested reduced funding for SRF programs, yet Congress has consistently rejected such cuts. The letter states the Senators' concerns with the Agency's fiscal year 2015 budget that proposes cuts in funding for the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, popular programs that loan federal dollars to states to invest in water and sanitation infrastructure.

Today's letter comes ahead of the EPW Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 26, with Administrator McCarthy to discuss the EPA's FY 2015 budget. Click here for more information.

Click here to read today's letter.