Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I believe this is an important message that we need to understand. I would like to repeat the language of the motion to instruct conferees where, in part, we say, ``Be instructed to agree to the amendment of the Senate, numbered 1, the Gramm amendment, creating the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund and providing a conforming reduction in the discretionary spending limits.'' This amendment just passed in the other body this morning by a 90-to- 1 margin. If we do not pass this motion to instruct conferees, the savings generated by the buyout provisions in the buyout program could be spent virtually on anything. Since the House has failed to pass the crime bill, this is necessary. If we are serious about addressing the crime problem and funding the crime bill, we simply must do this. Please note, as was stated in the motion itself, that discretionary spending caps will be reduced by the same amount. It is very simple. It will take this money and put it into the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. I think we are all virtually in agreement that that should be funded and this is the best mechanism by which to do that.”