Political Quotes

“Madam President, I am pleased that we are beginning consideration of the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. This bill passed out of the Committee on Appropriations by a unanimous vote of 30 to 0. It is the hope of the committee that such strong, bipartisan support will continue as the full Senate debates this measure and that we will be able to consider germane amendments in a reasonable period of time, pass the bill, and move on to a conference with the House. As we continue to debate the larger fiscal challenges our Nation faces, I note that the level of funding in the Senate mark of this MILCON-VA bill is consistent with the level of funding in the House- passed measure. I thank Chairman Johnson and Vice Chairman Kirk for their brilliant work in producing a bill that provides essential support to our veterans, our Active-Duty military, and their families. The resources provided in this bill will fund vital construction projects and will ensure that our wounded veterans and warriors receive the excellent care they deserve. It is good we are moving the first of our fiscal year 2012 appropriations bills under regular order. As I have said on numerous occasions, the best way to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely is to move our 12 bills through the committee, the full Senate, to a conference with the House, and through final passage in both Chambers.…”