Political Quotes

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment which seeks to cut over $3 million from the Architect of the Capitol's Botanic Garden--the people's Botanic Garden. Now, I understand the gentleman from Arizona is trying to generate headlines by attempting to cut much-needed funding to one of the most beloved destinations in Washington, D.C., our Nation's Capital, but this is not the way to fix our Nation's deficit. Over 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for our Capital City to include a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the important role plant life plays in our Nation. It may seem trivial, but the Botanic Garden, established in 1820, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the United States. It is also one of the most visited destinations on the Capitol complex. In fact, I know it is my own children's favorite place to visit when they come to Washington, D.C., and often our first stop. Our constituents sent us here to do real work and look for real solutions to the deficit, not to try to score cheap political points by attacking important institutions that have already taken a fiscal hit, like the Botanic Garden. The gentleman says that no line-item or opportunity can be looked over when it comes to reducing our deficit.…”