Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to taking up the Intelligence Authorization Act on suspension at a time when issues concerning the intelligence community have taken on an even greater significance and urgency, and taking up the bill this way will deprive Members of the opportunity to offer important amendments. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 is a good and bipartisan bill, but even a good bill can be made better. And although we have taken up the IAA on suspension on occasion in the past, it has only been on the basis of mutual agreement, which is not the case this year. On its merits, I believe the IAA should and will become law, and I look forward to its ultimate approval by both the House and Senate, and enactment. Nevertheless, I share Leader Pelosi and Whip Hoyer's view that tonight's suspension vote should be opposed. This IAA should go through regular order so that Members may offer amendments. I will vote ``no'' today because I disagree with the expedited procedure used to bring this to the floor. The Intelligence Committee has a unique role in this House and a special obligation to the American people. It is our job to oversee the activities of the 17 agencies that comprise the intelligence community, ensuring that we strike an appropriate balance between protecting our country's national security and the civil liberties of everyone who calls America home.…”