the U.S. and the rest of the community have been trying to build that while we are also trying to pump billions of dollars into the governments directly.

My estimate for--would be roughly somewhere in the ballpark of $12-15 billion.

part of the issue is that the U.S. and the international community made a commitment to move more toward direct assistance, provide more money on budget.

How much aid has the United States given Afghanistan since the liberation of Afghanistan from the Taliban?

I would estimate roughly close to $46 billion or $47 billion in terms of aid that has gone there.

On rollcall No. 279, I was present for rollcalls 278 and 280. I was talking to constituents from Canby, Illinois, off the floor, and inadvertently missed the vote. I support reduction in worldwide nuclear armaments, but felt this amendment…

On Tuesday, May 15, 2012 I had obligations that necessitated my attention in Champaign, Illinois, in my district and missed suspension votes H.R. 365--National Blue Alert, H.R. 3874--Black Hills Cemetery Act, H.R. 205--HEARTH Act of 2011…

On Monday, May 07, 2012 I had obligations that necessitated my attention in Sydney, Illinois, in my district and missed suspension votes on H. Con. Res. 105 Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall to celebrate King Kamehameha, H. Con…

On Monday, April 16, 2012 I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Ogden, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3001, the Raoul Wallenberg…

On Monday, March 26, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with small business owners in Champaign, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R…

You are very kind to do that, Mr. Conyers. {time} 1920 I think I probably pretty well addressed it. I think between myself and my inarticulate comments and your opposition and some opposition over here, I think the debate has been very…

And Members of the House, first of all, let me thank the chairman for his willingness to allow me to speak on an issue on which we do not agree. I appreciate the courtesy; I appreciate the lively debate that has preceded me in, I think…

On Monday, March 19, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Champaign, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3992, to allow…

On Monday, March 5, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Champaign, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye,'' on H.R. 3637, to designate the…

On Monday, February 27, 2012 I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Urbana, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the Senate Amendments to H.R. 347, the…

On rollcall No. 69, on the Labrador amendment, I was detained off the floor talking with constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present.'' The Acting CHAIR. There being no further amendments, under the rule, the Committee…

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012 I was scheduled to fly out of Champaign, Illinois, on American Airlines Flight 4373 which was supposed to arrive in Chicago at 10 a.m. CST. This flight would have allowed me to make a connector flight to…

On Monday, February 6, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with business leaders in Champaign County, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 1162, the…

I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Champaign County Illinois and was unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' and ``yea'' on H.R. 1141, the Rota Cultural and Natural…

On Monday, December 12, 2011, I was unable to attend votes due to a previously scheduled appointment. Monday evening I held a listening event with concerned citizens in the town of Savoy. I could not, in good conscience, cancel on a group…

I appreciate the time. I support the bill. I support the rule. But I also support--and I want to conclude by saying this--Illinois citizens' right to keep and bear arms that are being flagrantly denied by our Illinois legislature. Mr…

On Thursday October 27, 2011 I inadvertently missed the vote on final passage of H.R. 674. I would have cast a ``yea'' vote. ____________________

On rollcall No. 794, had I been present, I would have voted ``present.'' Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Markey The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Schock). The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on the amendment offered by the…

The amendment addressed issues of public health which are critical, but the amendment was too vague and likely redundant. Accordingly, and unusually, a ``present'' vote would be appropriate. At the time of the vote, I was dealing with two…

I thank the distinguished sponsor and would preface my comments by saying I am strongly in support of Congresswoman Biggert's superb piece of legislation. However, I rise today in opposition to this amendment offered by Representative…