Political Quotes

Jerry Lewis: “I am rising today really to say that that absolutely should not be our circumstance, for the bill that our chairman is…”

On the recordDecember 19, 2001
I am rising today really to say that that absolutely should not be our circumstance, for the bill that our chairman is bringing us today, representing only some $15 billion of funding, is absolutely one of the most important reasons for us to have a Congress in the first place. National security, yes; but this bill reflects America's presence in the world during times of war, but also in times of peace, and uses $15 billion to make sure that the voice of freedom is heard around the world for America, the last remaining superpower; a small presence by way of this bill, able to reach out to countries attempting to make a new way for the lives of their people; the voice of freedom, the voice of independence and opportunity that is America's in the world; our chance to provide a kind of leadership that can impact the future of mankind. This bill is that important, $15 billion though it may be.
Said by
Jerry Lewis
California
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the importance of a defense bill during a floor speech.

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