Political Quotes

“I am pleased to be here again, at the beginning of another year, to rise to join Chairman Hunter in strong support of legislation to authorize funding for the United States Coast Guard and to advance new policy initiatives to strengthen the prospects for the U.S. flag and the U.S. maritime industry. H.R. 4188, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, is very carefully crafted bipartisan-bicameral legislation that has been developed over the course of far too long. It should have and could have been done last year, but here we are. I thank the Senate. I guess I should be a little more kind to the other House. Several months of negotiation with Members of the Senate have finally concluded. This bill is deserving of robust support from Members on both sides of the aisle, and I urge its quick passage by the House today so it can be enrolled and sent to the President for his signature. I thank Chairman Hunter for his leadership and cooperative spirit in working with me and the other Democrats to address our interests and concerns. The willingness of Chairman Hunter and of his outstanding staff on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee to collaborate and work with the minority is very, very much appreciated. Now, the bill is not perfect.…”