Barney Frank: “Mr. Chairman, I respect the principled opposition of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) to this bill. It is in this…”

“Mr. Chairman, I respect the principled opposition of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) to this bill. It is in this context we should see his amendment. He argues that he has a better transition, but it is a transition to a goal which he opposes. So I would ask Members to consider if you are trying to find a path to a certain destination, whose guidance will you select: the people who are trying to get to the destination or the people who think that destination would be a terrible thing? The gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) has said this accurately, that this is a second chance to vote 'yes' or 'no' on the bill. I want to reiterate I will be strongly supportive of efforts to continue giving prisoners the work. There are specific sections in this bill that we are bringing forward that talk about donation programs, that say that we want the inmates to be making things for daycare centers, for homeless shelters, for drug rehab clinics. All of us know in every one of our districts there are very worthy facilities that provide services to people in great need, and they do not have enough of a budget to buy what they need. Let us give them the furniture. Let us give them the clothing. Let us give them the drapery. Let us give them the other things that can be made.…”