ADVISORY COUNCIL's FUNDING AT RISK
The following alert is a follow-up to issues that CEHP, Inc. has been
tracking on behalf of the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) and
SOPA and an urgent request for action. As noted in Volume 1, No. 1 of
CEHP's ACRA/SOPA Weekly On-Line News H.R. 3031 is a bill to reauthorize
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. May 23, tomorrow, is the
date set for the House Resources' Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests
and Lands to mark up H.R. 3031, the bill introduced (on request) by
Subcommittee Chairman James Hansen (R-Utah), to reauthorize the Advisory
Council's funding. The bill would provide up to $5 million per year through
2002 for the Council.
As each of you knows, the Council has played a significant and vital role in
addressing major issues affecting archaeological resources and historic sites
and has worked hard to bring a balance between historic values and other
important public needs. ACRA's recommendations included reauthorizing the
Council at $5 million per year through 2002 and improving the Council's
guidance to federal agencies and to the state historic preservation officers
and Indian Tribes to promote consistent application and interpretation of the
Council's regulations.
ACRA has obtained a copy of Steve Hodapp's draft staff position for the
markup of H.R. 3031. If Hansen supports Steve's recommendations, and it is
quite likely that he will, he will recommend a substitute amendment to the
bill as it was introduced. The amendment includes
1. reauthorization at $2.1 million for FY97 through 99;
2. a reporting requirement that directs the ACHP to submit a report within
18 months that contains an analysis of alternatives for "future promulgation
and oversight of regulations" for implementing 106; and,
3. a requirement that within 2 years the ACHP design and implement a program
that will insure federal agency compliance with Section 110.
Bob Bush and John Fowler met with Hodapp to discuss Hodapp's recommendations.
They pointed out what severe impact the $2.1 million budget would have on
the agency. It probably would mean closing down the Denver office entirely.
Steve was unmoved.
The budget cut proposed will have a devastating effect on the Council's
effectiveness. In the mean time, we really need Hansen to hear voices other
than those of industry and that of Steve H. Time is something that is
running out. Once again, the mark up of H.R. 3031 is scheduled for tomorrow,
May 23.
ACTION NEEDED: Letters, faxes, e-mail messages and phone calls from
constituents to members of the House Resources Committee are urgently needed
supporting H.R. 3031 AS INTRODUCED AND WITHOUT ANY AMENDMENTS. Explain why
the Council and Section 106 are so important to the wise management of
historic properties and their protection from federal undertakings that would
harm or destroy them. Reference local sites if possible. Flaunt your own
credentials or status in an organization if possible.
HOW TO CONTACT CONGRESS: Note that the most effective communications are from
people back home, voters who live in the states of the Senators and districts
of the Representatives. All Members of Congress can be reached by phone
through the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-2131. The address for your Senator
is United States Senate, Washington DC 20510; for your Representative, it is
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington DC 20515. No room numbers are
necessary.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE INTERIOR APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE:
Republicans
Ralph Regula, Ohio, Chairman
Joseph McDade, Pennsylvania
Jim Kolbe, Arizona
Joe Skeen, New Mexico
Barbara Vucanovich, Nevada
Charles Taylor, North Carolina
George Nethercutt, Washington
Jim Bunn, Oregon
Democrats
Sidney Yates, Illinois, Ranking Minority Member
Norman Dicks, Washington
Tom Bevill, Alabama
David Skaggs, Colorado
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE:
The House Resources Committee Subcommittee on National Park, Forests and
Lands chairman is Rep. Jim Hansen (R-Utah) and the ranking member is Rep.
Bill Richardson (D-New Mexico). The full House Resources Committee chairman
is Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and the ranking member is Rep. George Miller
(D-California).
Committee Members:
* (starred members are also members of the Subcommittee on National Parks,
Forests & Lands)
Republicans
Don Young, Alaska, Chairman
Billy Tauzin, Louisiana
*James Hansen, Utah
Jim Saxton, New Jersey
Elton, Gallegly, California
*John Duncan, Jr., Tennessee
*Joel Hefley, Colorado
*John Doolittle, California
*Wayne Allard, Colorado
Wayne Gilchrest, Maryland
Ken Calvert, California
*Richard Pombo, California
*Peter Torkildsen, Massachusetts
*J.D. Hayworth, Arizona
Frank Cremeans, Ohio
*Barbara Cubin, Wyoming
*Wes Cooley, Oregon
*Helen Chenoweth, Idaho
*Linda Smith, Washington
*George Radanovich, California
Walter Jones, North Carolina
Mac Thornberry, Texas
Richard Hastings, Washington
Jack Metcalf, Washington
Jim Longley, Maine
*John Shadegg, Arizona
*John Ensign, Nevada
Democrats
George Miller, California, Ranking Minority Member
Edward Markey, Massachusetts
*Nick Joe Rahall, II, West Virginia
*Bruce Vento, Minnesota
*Dale Kildee, Michigan
*Pat Williams, Montana
Sam Gejdenson, Connecticut
*Bill Richardson, New Mexico
Peter DeFazio, Oregon
*Eni F.H. Faleomavega., America Samoa
Tim Johnson, South Dakota
Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii
*Gerry Studds, Massachusetts
Solomon Ortiz, Texas
Owen Pickett, Virginia
*Frank Pallone, Jr., New Jersey
Calvin M. Dooley, California
*Carlos Romero-Barcelo, Puerto Rico
*Maurice Hinchey, New York
*Robert Underwood, Guam
Sam Farr, , California
*Patrick Kennedy, Rhode Island
|
