Political Quotes

“I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to express a few concerns. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Minnesota is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, this amendment is an overreaction to a policy proposal in the administration's--in the administration's--2016 budget request. The President's budget requested to propose to direct funds currently allocated to payments to States and shift them more towards Federal programs that serve the Nation more broadly. Now, this is a proposal that the President suggested in his budget, and it wasn't included in this bill because the Appropriations Committee just flat out rejected it. This is an appropriations process. That is what it is. It is a process. The administration submitted a proposal. The committee evaluated it. It had the power to accept it or reject it. The proposal lay with the committee as to what to do. As I said, the committee rejected it. This amendment would unnecessarily stifle any proposals to amend current formula, which is unnecessary because Congress would need to enact legislation before any changes could be made to the formula. The Department of the Interior doesn't have the authority to change the formula through rulemaking or other administrative action. Basically, this amendment would prohibit the Department from even suggesting an idea for Congress to consider. I just wanted to claim the time in opposition, Mr.…”