Barbara Mikulski: “as we close the debate on the fiscal year 1999 VA/HUD bill, I thank Chairman Bond, first, for all the courtesies that he…”

“as we close the debate on the fiscal year 1999 VA/HUD bill, I thank Chairman Bond, first, for all the courtesies that he has extended both to myself and to my staff during the entire year that we have considered this legislation--many hearings, many discussions, many issues that we ironed out so we could come to the floor with the bill that really met compelling human need and investment in the future. And at the same time, avoid a lot of the wrangling that sometimes can surround appropriations bills. I also think he handled the bill tonight with great deftness. We want to thank him. I want to thank his staff, Carolyn Apostolou and Jon Kamarck for the outstanding job they did. Of course, I could not stand here and be able to articulate the position of both my party and my own beliefs without my very able staff. I thank Andy Givens, David Bowers and Bertha Lopez, who were with me throughout the entire year as we moved this bill. So I look forward to voting for the bill tomorrow and in conference. And really, for all of the pages who have worked so late, they should know that this bill has really helped. We have housing for the poor and have saved the environment, invested in the future.”