Mike Pence: “I want to thank Mr. Neugebauer for, after a very short period of time in Congress, stepping forward in this case and in…”

“I want to thank Mr. Neugebauer for, after a very short period of time in Congress, stepping forward in this case and in other cases with substantive legislation that reflects the conservative values that he came to Washington to represent, and does so with no small amount of courage and common sense. As we look at this behemoth emergency supplemental, Mr. Chairman, I still want to express appreciation to the chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the chairmen of the appropriate subcommittees. I do believe, as is evidenced by the courtliness demonstrated on the floor today, that we are not subject in this case, or any other case, to bad people but to a bad process. As this Congress undertakes to change the way we spend the people's money, this behemoth legislation is again an argument for budget process reform. To the Neugebauer amendment, I must begin by saying Hurricane Katrina breaks my heart. I have grieved for the families who have lost loved ones and lost their precious resources and communities in the wake of this storm. I have supported Katrina funding in the past. And in working with colleagues to offset its cost, I will support Katrina funding in the future, but I cannot support adding Katrina relief to an emergency military bill. The American people know that Hurricane Katrina funding and military spending are apples and oranges.…”