Political Quotes

“I rise today to talk about my opposition to an amendment that is going to be offered by the Senator from Oklahoma to eliminate congressionally designated projects. For me, the job has always been about the people, and the best ideas do come from the people. As I have traveled around the State of Maryland, whether to worksites or roundtables or unfettered, uncensored conversations in diners, I listen to the people. What they tell me is that they are mad at Washington because when all is said and done, more gets said than gets done. Families are stretched and stressed, and they want a government that is on their side. They want a strong economy, a safer country, and a government that is as frugal and thrifty as they are. People want us to focus on a constitutionally based government. I support the people because I feel the same way. I do think we have to focus on building a strong economy. We do have to focus on being a more frugal government. However, I say to my colleagues, getting rid of congressionally designated projects is really a false journey to be on. If we eliminate every congressionally designated project--otherwise known as earmarks--we won't do anything to reduce the deficit because congressionally designated projects are less than one-half of 1 percent of total Federal spending. What it will do, however, is make it harder to meet compelling human and community needs many of us hear about from our constituents.”