Political Quotes

“Let me just conclude--and I thank you, Mr. Andrews, for your comments because it's so true that as a Nation we have already seen the beginnings of an economic recovery, what looks to be a strong economic recovery, but we need to make sure that our constituents and that communities and businesses throughout this country, especially the ones that are located in proximity and vicinity to defense installations, also enjoy the benefits of this economic recovery. And so it is true, it is my goal that, with this amendment, no more of my constituents will drive by an on-base construction job and look at that job in progress or see a delivery truck going into that base and through the gates of the installation and say to themselves, I wish I knew how to get business with the Defense Department. I understand that frustration, and I understand why we must address it; and I believe that this amendment does exactly that. Again, as Mr. Andrews has pointed out, the gentleman from New Jersey has pointed out, in fact this is about enhancing competition. It's not about getting in the way of it. And it's about giving the Department of Defense the kind of tools that it needs to engage in that kind of community outreach. And so no more will there be an excuse of not understanding how to reach those businesses, but they will have a tool to make sure that they get to them. Mr. Chairman, I urge the passage of this amendment and yield back the balance of my time.”