Mike Pence: “Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor in the reality of representing a district, 10 counties of which are, at this hour…”

“Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor in the reality of representing a district, 10 counties of which are, at this hour, recognized as Federal disaster areas. The flood of 2003 saw the waters of the Wabash River and the St. Mary's River rise and devastate families and homes in much of the eastern Indiana district that I represent. But there is another rising tide that I am here to support the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey) on as he seeks this amendment's passage, and that is the rising tide of red ink that is engulfing the American taxpayer, and a modest effort today that we attempt to stem. The Federal deficit today stands at $455 billion, and I would offer humbly, with deep respect for the gentleman from Florida and his outstanding leadership of this Committee on Appropriations, that now is not the time to add another $1 billion, another new massive player to that deficit.”