Political Quotes

“Today's CR is nothing but a continuation of the culture of overspending, persistence of a broken process, and a refusal to make the tough decisions, end earmarks, and do the job we were sent here to do. As a result, our Federal spending is off the charts. We are staring at another trillion-dollar budget deficit. Debts are stacking up over $13 trillion. Unemployment continues to hover around 10 percent, and congressional approval by the public remains at an all-time and dangerous low. For the past 2 years, the administration has been given a free hand, with an unlimited credit card. The results are mind-boggling: 27 percent in growth in nondefense discretionary spending since 2008. And that's not including the bailouts and a failed stimulus package. Meanwhile, the Appropriations Committee has not done its job. No checks, no balances, no discipline, no bills. What do we have to show for our work this year on the committee and in the Congress? A 2-week extension of more of the same. A date change is the sum total of the work of the Appropriations Committee. Disappointing to say the least. I believe we can do much better by severely cutting spending, conducting rigorous and thoughtful oversight, changing the culture of appropriations, and performing outreach inside and outside the Congress. Fortunately, I believe wholesale change is on the way, Mr. Speaker. We have got to cut discretionary spending and exert fiscal discipline on fat agencies.…”