Alcee Hastings: “I should note that I am pleased to rise today to debate the content of the energy and water appropriations bill and only…”

“I should note that I am pleased to rise today to debate the content of the energy and water appropriations bill and only the energy and water appropriations bill. Let us just hope that when Congress adjourns the first session of the 108th Congress, it will have considered 13 such appropriations conference reports. To Republican leaders who say that considering 13 separate appropriations reports is not possible or just highly unlikely, I note that while the other body remained in session last week, the House took the week off. Where there is a will, Madam Speaker, there is always a way. The will of the majority is clear, and it is not on the side of the American people. But I should not dwell on this body's work ethic nor shall I attempt to predict or foresee the prospects of this week, however dim they may be. Instead I rise in support of the underlying conference report. As previously mentioned, the energy and water appropriations bill provides $27.3 billion in funding for the United States Department of Energy and many of our country's most important water-related projects.”