Political Quotes

“a budget is the statement of the principles and priorities of our country. I have heard a lot of my colleagues talk about specific amendments, some of which I support and some of which I oppose. But I think it is important first to talk about the underlying budget and what it stands for as far as the principles and priorities of America. On all counts, a review of the budget that is before us fails middle-income families in America. It doesn't invest in job growth or opportunity or U.S. competitiveness. It doesn't allow for a growing middle class, particularly to narrow the wealth disparities in America. It doesn't end sequestration. Let me talk for a moment about sequestration. We have had a lot of debate about this on the floor. Sequestration should never take place. It is across-the-board, mindless cuts, no priorities. When we have been subject to sequestration, we have heard from all of our agencies, how they can't plan, how they can't enter into long-term agreements in order to carry out the missions they are responsible to carry out. It does not allow them the flexibility to deal with the current needs. It is wasteful. It costs taxpayers money, and they are not getting the benefits of those dollars. When we take a look at the budget that is before us, it not only would maintain those levels, it actually accelerates some of the levels that would be established through these across-the-board cuts.…”