Political Quotes

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am delighted to hear that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle agree there is a problem. I would suggest to them that we put this amendment into the bill so that we have the opportunity in the weeks ahead, as this bill matures in the two Houses and in the conference committee, that we deal with it. There is nothing special about 60 or 61 miles, but there is certainly something special about providing local contractors with the opportunity. As I understand, Fort Hood is a very, very big facility. Perhaps you would like 63\1/4\ miles from the outside edge of the perimeter of the facility. Whatever. The problem remains. I would really urge my colleagues to allow this amendment to go forward so that there is a basis for negotiations in this legislation. Otherwise, we are going to wait a year before we will be able to come back to deal with this. And in that period of time, thousands upon thousands of small businesses will be excluded. There is a problem. We know there is a problem. Move this amendment along, and then spend the next month, 2 months until this bill matures, and then we can work out the appropriate language. But let's all recognize there is a problem and we need to get to it. So let's move the bill. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Texas is recognized for 1\1/2\ minutes.”