Eleanor Holmes Norton: “First, I want to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), with whom I have worked…”

“First, I want to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), with whom I have worked so well and so closely, to thank him for the collegiality he and I have had on the subcommittee. It is a model, it seems to me, that the Congress might want to follow. I must say, when my good friend tells me that he probably will be leaving the committee altogether, it is a sad note for me, given the way we have tried to reach agreement whenever there has been disagreement. And, frankly, on most matters he and I have found little upon which to disagree. I can only wish him well on the Appropriations Committee. That must be his preference. Therefore, I wish the best for him, and I certainly hope to have the opportunity to work with him again in connection with that committee or otherwise on this floor or in this Congress. I want to congratulate my good friend from Texas for her strong leadership on this bill and in wanting to make sure that this bill got on the floor before the end of the session and for her devotion to a bill that should be received, I'm sure, by all because of the recognition she so wisely understands all members of the Armed Forces are due.”