Petra, you may know this, but people like me go to funding agencies like NSF or USGS-NEHRP, not to legislatures. For big new projects, like Earthscope, the money must be approved/appropriated by congress. Of course, the USGS and NSF budgets must also be approved by congress. Speaking of Earthscope, our proposal was rejected by them, I found out yesterday. If I get an OK from the lead PI I may rant a little later. Close is only good in horse shoes and hand grenades. Chris