Senator John McCain (R)

ADEQUATE FUNDING

Land and Water Conservation Fund [click here to read question twenty-five]

"The Land and Water Conservation Fund has a record of accomplishment in part through the leveraging of federal funding with state and local support. I will support authorizations sufficiently for the LWCF to meet its important objectives and fund those fully. Added funding, however, for this program, as with all others must be examined in the context an overall federal budget that responsibly balances all national needs and honors our obligation to properly stewards both the treasury and the environment for the benefit of this and future generations."

National Parks [click here to read question twenty-six]

"Yes. I have established a strong and consistent record in the senate for fully funding our national parks. I was the lead sponsor for the National Parks Centennial Act, which would have eliminated the annual operating deficit for the parks. Recently, the Administration, House and Senate passed budget proposing to increase park budgets by $200 million each year to address operating deficits. I support these objectives, but fully protecting, restoring and enjoying our national parks requires more than just additional funding. We need to give the park service the guiding policies that will ensure their protection and the enjoyment of the visiting public. As president, I will continue to champion laws and initiatives that improve air quality, reduce climate change impacts, enhance wildlife populations, and improve education in the parks. By the park system's centennial, and as I expect to be completing my second term as president, we will have a park system that showcases the best educational, environmental and civic engagement programs in the world. We should expect and accept nothing less for our national parks."