Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I understand the pending business is that we are discussing the motion to proceed to the VA-Military Construction bill, and I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote against this motion to proceed. And why? Well, because, quite simply, this is a parliamentary maneuver. This isn't a real deal to get to real benefits and real help for America's veterans or to modernize our military bases. This maneuver, quite simply, is a scam. The Republican leadership knows we do not have enough resources for our veterans. This bill is inadequate. And to bring up an appropriations bill before we have a new budget deal is really just a hollow gesture. We passed a continuing resolution. I am so pleased we did that so we would not have a government shutdown. We do not need a government shutdown. It is not in our national interest, it is not good for the economy, it is not good for our standing in the world, and most of all it is not good for the way we need to help the American people, whether it is in the area of national security or economic security. Having passed the CR, it is well known that the leadership on both sides of the aisle and the President want to negotiate a new budget deal. So what does that mean? A new budget deal gives the Committee on Appropriations a top line--something called a 302(a). A 302(a) tells the Committee on Appropriations what it can spend. We can't spend over a 302(a) unless we waive the Budget Act.…”