Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman for yielding. Normally I don't speak on this bill, and I have been on the Appropriations Committee long enough to remember when this bill came to the floor in a bipartisan fashion. Mr. Lewis, who was chairman of our committee at one point in time, and Mr. Fazio, who was chairman of our Democratic Caucus, joined together as the leaders, as the chair and ranking member or vice versa, on that committee and brought this bill to the floor. The legislative branch of government, the first branch of government, the first part of the Constitution, mentions the people's House and the United States Senate. Unfortunately, it is no longer the case that this is a bipartisan bill because both parties have interest in making sure that we have the resources and the ability to do the job that we are asked to do, and that is not only to raise and authorize the money to be spent to do the people's work, but, also, to oversee the executive department to ensure that the laws are faithfully carried out. One of the things that is necessary to make this body viable is to make sure that all Americans can serve in this House and that they be compensated in a way that will allow them--even though they may not be rich--to come to Washington, D.C., and serve the people of this country.…”