House Boosts National Parks Budget

Democrats also push for more climate change research House Democrats drawing up the budget for a variety of environmental programs want to boost spending on National Parks, which will celebrate a centennial in 2016. They say the parks budget has been chronically shortchanged, and the nation would be embarrassed if the parks aren't in good shape by the time of the anniversary. Democrats also want to nearly double spending on climate change research. Both measures will face a fight from the White House, which is trying to tamp down government spending. For more, read this Associated Press story.