On the recordFebruary 3, 2010
I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Lungren and Mr. Wamp. I couldn't have said it better myself. It is incredibly important that we be good stewards of the Capitol complex and the facilities that we have the privilege to work in. It still amazes me every day when I walk up to the Capitol or past the Capitol when it's at night when it's all lit up or in the daytime. It's a structure that everyone who sees it marvels at it. And it's our responsibility as the leaders of the, essentially, administrative committees that have responsibility for taking care of and funding the needs of the legislative branch to make sure that we are the ones that ultimately are held accountable and have the opportunity to coordinate the appointments of the Architect of the Capitol. It no longer makes sense--I am not sure that it ever made sense--to have the President of the United States be involved in what is essentially a legislative branch function, and it will make for a more efficient process and will enable us to preserve these facilities into the future for future generations. I reserve the balance of my time.
