On the recordSeptember 8, 2017
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as I stand in support of this legislation, it is important to acknowledge that it not only addresses the needs of the residents who are cleaning up after Harvey, but it ensures that we will also avoid a first-ever default on the full faith and credit of the United States. {time} 1000 What is important about this moment is the following: We are adhering to what is known as the national principle, and the national principle means that, if there is an earthquake in California, we rise to the aid of the people of California. If there is a hurricane in Texas, we rise to the aid of the people in Texas. If there is a tornado in Springfield, Massachusetts, as there was a few years ago, we all come to the aid of the people of Springfield, Massachusetts. If there were horrific forest fires in the State of Alabama, as happened a few years ago, we all come to the aid of the people of Alabama. Now, why is that important? Because we don't check gender, and we don't check race, and we don't say: Is it a blue State or a red State or what is the political affiliation of those who are affected? Instead, we say: The national principle ensures that this is about the American family in moments of great challenge and great difficulty, and we don't use the opportunity to remind people of what the budget might look like at that moment. Instead, we come to their assistance and we figure out how to pay for it later on.…
