DENNIS A. CARDOZA: “there were several misstatements of fact in the last statements that were made here on the floor by my colleagues on the…”

“there were several misstatements of fact in the last statements that were made here on the floor by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. This bill actually does not provide $4 billion for legislative branch appropriations, as the gentleman indicated, but $3.1 billion for the legislative branch. The actual spending for fiscal year 2007, including the supplemental but not rescissions, this bill is a $122 million increase, which is 4 percent of that amount. If the $50 million rescission in the fiscal year 2007 CR is included, the bill is only $73 million, or 2.4 percent, above the prior year. We have provided in this measure fiscal responsibility, accountability, and security and life safety for the Members of Congress, for the general public and for our staff. I would also like to make a point that this bill represents a $276 million reduction from the Republican administration's request on this matter. Madam Speaker, three principles guided the development of the underlying legislation: fiscal responsibility, security and life safety, and accountability. This bill makes smart decisions with taxpayer dollars. It provides the necessary resources for Congress to carry out its constitutional oversight responsibilities, something we saw sorely lacking in the last Congress. It ensures the Capitol complex is safe and secure.”