Gary Franks: “I rise in support of H.R. 3666, the Veterans' Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and independent agencies…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3666, the Veterans' Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and independent agencies appropriations bill. Let me first commend the work of Chairman Jerry Lewis, Congressman Louis Stokes, and my colleagues on the Veterans' Affairs/Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. They have certainly crafted a reasonable and sturdy bill under difficult circumstances and the product which they bring to the floor deserves the blessing of the House. I am especially happy that Messrs. Lewis and Stokes have increased from last year's levels the funding for many of my top priorities such as the programs for our veterans, housing, and environmental protection. Also, I am pleased that there is an adequate level of funding for NASA's human space flight program in which our space station is being developed. Mr. Speaker, I am a firm believer that the people down here on planet Earth will reap the benefits of the many scientific breakthroughs that the space station is sure to provide. Still, Mr. Chairman, this does not mean there is no room for improvement.”