Jane Harman: “I agree with my fellow Blue Dog, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), that votes on the debt ceiling should not be…”

“I agree with my fellow Blue Dog, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), that votes on the debt ceiling should not be part of the rule and will oppose it; but the underlying legislation, the fiscal year 2005 Defense Department appropriations bill, is worthy of support. Given Congress' constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense, this is perhaps the most important appropriations legislation we consider each year. We could not ask for two more capable colleagues to have as managers of the bill. As in previous years, the gentleman from California (Chairman Lewis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Ranking Member Murtha) have risen above partisan politics and brought a Defense bill to the House floor that reflects America's defense priorities. Specifically, I applaud the committee's work in funding the Future Imageries Architecture program, the Arrow Weapon System, and in fully funding the F-15C radar upgrade. I also appreciate the committee's robust support for missile procurement. I am concerned that the bill reduces funding for some important classified satellite programs, but remain hopeful that any issues can be resolved prior to conference with the Senate. The centerpiece of the Defense appropriations bill is, of course, $25 billion for the war in Iraq. Unfortunately, the administration only requested funds to get us through the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. They say additional funds will be requested after the November election.”