Political Quotes

“I appreciate very much the gentleman raising the issue. I think we should remember, this is an appropriation bill. It is a funding bill. It is not an authorizing bill. This is an issue that should be dealt with by the committee of jurisdiction, which needs to make a lot of changes at HUD. There is no question about it. {time} 2000 This is a funding bill, and, Mr. Chairman, we have already made tough, responsible choices in the bill, and we have already cut the Public Housing Capital Fund by $100 million below last year. So while the gentleman wants to cut a little bit more, I understand that, but the fact of the matter is we are down $100 million from last year. The Public Housing Operating Fund is held at last year's level of $4.4 billion. I really think to cut any more out of this could possibly pose a risk to the health and safety of our housing capital. For those reasons, again, I appreciate the gentleman's bringing the issue forward, it is an authorizing issue, and on this, as a funding bill, I would urge a ``no'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.”