Political Quotes

“Yesterday, we met in the Rules Committee to discuss this potential CR. The point I wanted to make was that I felt--and I wish the gentleman from California were here--that a clean CR would be more appropriate at this time, especially if we get an agreement. Because, that way, the President can sign the clean CR, which would keep funding for the troops--I want to point that out as the ranking member on Defense Appropriations--this CR is troubled. I believe, the President will veto it. I also believe it won't be passed in the Senate. So why are we doing this? Why are we wasting time here when we should be focused on getting a clean CR through, which the President said he would sign, which would allow a little more time for negotiations on this agreement? Now, we have got to get an agreement. The idea of shutting down the Federal Government in the middle of this economic downturn is just the worst possible idea. Goldman Sachs says you'll lose two-tenths of 1 percent of economic growth. This will mean laying people off. Whether they will get reimbursed or not is a major question for those who are not considered to be vital--and I think all workers are vital, but it's regarding those who are not in essential kinds of jobs. We talked yesterday to the FAA. They will keep operating. We have troops in the field. As I mentioned before, if we did a clean CR, they would be paid. I think this is a waste of time and that every ounce of effort should be taken in reaching this agreement.…”