Political Quotes

“First, I want to thank Chairman Rogers and my ranking member, Nita Lowey, for the commitment that they made to regular order, which is why we have our second appropriations bill on the House floor by May 1. It is my hope that we can stay true to this commitment throughout the remainder of this year. I also want to thank my friend, the gentleman from Oklahoma, Tom Cole, who I really couldn't say enough good things about what an incredible partner he has been. We really have--and I will say that several times throughout my remarks--worked cooperatively, collaboratively, and I think the finest compliment that I can pay another Member is that they are an institutionalist--someone who has incredible respect for those that came before us and the history and tradition and all that has led to us being the finest democratic institution in the entire world. We are stewards of the Capitol complex in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, and the chairman really has most definitely recognized that and honored it. The budget deal struck during the shutdown last year gave us 2 years of discretionary caps so that the Appropriations Committee can now get on with the business of funding important government programs. There are many opinions about how these resources should be allocated amongst programs, but that is a legitimate debate, rather than the alternative, which we saw during the government shutdown last October.…”