Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I am concerned that the committee has cut a $2.5 million line item in the Park Service's construction budget for the completion of a project that is now underway at Fort McHenry. Last year, based upon a high priority request from the Park Service, $1.5 million was appropriated for work to preserve the underground bombproof rooms and power magazines at the fort as well as some of the more deteriorated walls and defenses of the structure. This year the Park Service requested $2.5 million to complete this project. The action of the committee threatens the timely completion of the work that is now underway at the birthplace of our national anthem. I understand the pressures your subcommittee is under this year, but this was a 2-year high priority project requested by the Park Service that is being cut off in the middle. I would greatly appreciate your reconsideration of this project as this bill moves forward in conference with the other body.”