Ed Pastor: “Let me make another point, Mr. Speaker. When we adopted the budget it gave us an allocation for the Committee on…”

“Let me make another point, Mr. Speaker. When we adopted the budget it gave us an allocation for the Committee on Appropriations, on which my dear friend also serves. We have been involved in a number of the allocations, how they go up, they go down, because there are priorities that the majority may want. There are needs. Everybody is for reducing the debt. I think that is decided when we develop or adopt the budget. Once we adopt the allocation, there are debates in subcommittee, there are debates in committee, and then we have to go to the floor. Then we have to go to conference with the Senate. I believe what this amendment does is basically ties the gentleman's hands and my hands to be able to debate and determine priorities, and be able to buy 5 pounds of hamburger, but also spend some additional money that we may need for other purposes.”