Political Quotes

“I do rise in opposition to the amendment of my colleague from Georgia. The recommendation in this amendment provides $350 million for Legal Services, which is a reduction to 2008 level of almost $70 million. It is $80 million below the 2010 request. I understand there are some concerns with Legal Services Corporation- funded programs, but the bill contains several important restrictions on political activity by the LSC grantees. That would include lobbying, abortion litigation, and class action lawsuits. These restrictions cover both the Legal Services funds as well as private funds. The administration proposed to eliminate several of these restrictions, but the House bill rejects this proposal. We have included language in the committee report directing Legal Services to vigorously enforce the restrictions on political activity, which we think is very important. Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported Legal Services for Americans who would not otherwise have adequate access to civil legal assistance. We are facing an extremely challenging budgetary environment--and I realize that--but the recommendation is a fair compromise between the need for austerity and also the balance to provide civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. For that reason, Madam Chair, I would urge a ``no'' vote. I reserve the balance of my time.”