Last week, PCA's lobbying efforts succeeded as both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees restored deep cuts proposed in the president's FY2004 budget for the U.S. Geological Survey, including $750,000 for minerals data collection activities. PCA relies on the USGS Minerals Information Team to collect and disseminate cement shipment data and other information.

During the House floor debate, Rep. Don Sherwood (R-PA) spoke out in favor of restoring the data collection activities. Senate floor debate on the funding bill is expected shortly.