Peter Visclosky: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. There is great substance in this bill, but I really want to address the process and…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. There is great substance in this bill, but I really want to address the process and to begin my remarks by saying how very proud I am of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate of this Congress. Mr. Speaker, the Appropriations Committee is composed of serious and intelligent people. Our members and our terrific staff--I was also on the staff at one time--work hard to invest in our country and to improve the lives of the people we represent. As Chairman Rogers indicated, our members do disagree, but they thoughtfully consider the facts; they consider each other's perspectives and positions and reach reasonable compromises that improve the Government of the United States of America. This is how this entire body should conduct itself. I especially want to thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks and their staffs for leading the way. I also want to express my gratitude to Chairman Frelinghuysen, who is also my friend and a consummate gentleman; and to our subcommittee members and our exceptional staffs for their dedication and hard work in crafting a wonderful piece of legislation.…”