Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this is a straightforward amendment and should be noncontroversial. H.R. 5114 establishes a new grant program that would provide grants to local government agencies responsible for flood plain management in communities that participate in the national flood insurance program. Funds from this grant program would be used for outreach to inform both renters and owners of the national flood insurance program. This amendment would specifically prohibit any earmarking of the funds made available under this new grant program. Mr. Chairman, I'm not sure it's the taxpayers'--or, I don't think it is the taxpayers' responsibility to inform renters and owners of these flood plain requirements. Having said that, if we are going to provide funds here and say that it's a competitive grant program, then we shouldn't go in and earmark it later. Those funds ought to be available to those who compete for them, not directed by Members of Congress to favored constituents or groups. {time} 1230 With that, I reserve the balance of my time.”