Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have indicated they plan a full-court press, all in an effort to develop and approve their respective appropriations bills for FY 2014. Committee hearings have already been held regarding the President's budget submission with the intention of individual bills being ready for consideration prior to July 4. House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders have said they intend to complete action on all 12 annual appropriations bills (including those covering the Department of the Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services) before the begin- Programs now subject to cuts include: Community Development Block Grants, CDC Community Transportation Grants, and other programs that fund the development of parks, trails, and active transportation networks. ning of the new fiscal year. Time will tell if the appropriators' optimism is misplaced. NRPA Public Policy continues to monitor federal actions related to spending levels and will continue to update you as the process continues, including guidance on how and when to contact your elected leaders on Capitol Hill urging their continued support for programs like the LWCF State Assistance Program as well as those which promote trails and active transportation. Thank you for your efforts and ongoing support. David Tyahla is NRPA's Senior Government Affairs Manager (dtyahla@nrpa.org). W W W. N R PA . O R G | A P R I L 2 0 1 3 | Parks & Recreation 27