Political Quotes

“I apologize to my colleagues for changing the subject for a moment, but this will be the last chance I'll be able to address the House. Six and a half years ago, I had the privilege of coming to the House and standing here after a special election. I'd like to paraphrase, basically, what I said then: I come from the 50th District of California--a classic coastal community. After having been out of the Congress for 5 years, they returned me here to the House as the 50th District, it being that classic environmental community, recycled Congressmen when it came to my election. I would just ask that both sides understand what a great privilege it is to represent the 50th. In leaving, I just want to say one thing: I hear that one of the major issues you're going to address when this new Congress comes in is the issue of immigration, and those of us in California understand that. The one place that Democrats and Republicans should be able to agree on, especially with the budget crisis, is: When are we going to stop the practice of people who are committing a crime by employing illegal immigrants? Take the tax deduction away, and require that if a business wants to claim a business deduction for employing somebody that we make sure those employees are legal--just by requiring E-Verify. Again, Mr. Speaker, I am going to miss a lot of faces around here in Washington, but as a San Diegan, let me assure you that I will not miss the weather. God bless and thank you. ____________________”