Robert Ehrlich: “I rise in support of H.R. 2, and I commend the gentleman from New York [Mr. Lazio], the chairman, for his great work…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2, and I commend the gentleman from New York [Mr. Lazio], the chairman, for his great work again this year as he did before in the 104th Congress. Mr. Chairman, this bill represents a bold step forward with respect to our housing policy at the Federal level. But that is not why I am getting up this afternoon. I am getting up because of some of the things I hear from the other side of the aisle. This is not about good or bad, Mr. Chairman. It is not about who cares about the poor and who does not care about the poor; it is not about class welfare and who is middle class and what parents you came from or if you have a trust fund or not. It is about a profound philosophical difference between the parties in this town. ... It is about self-sufficiency and self-help, and opportunity and responsibility and accountability. It is about accountability and responsibility and how we get there. On this side of the aisle, we think a work requirement is good for people. Some folks disagree. We all come to this in good faith.”