David Minge: “I represent an area of Minnesota that was affected by the flooding this spring. I know that the Republicans and the…”

“I represent an area of Minnesota that was affected by the flooding this spring. I know that the Republicans and the Democrats alike have recognized the importance of having an effective disaster assistance package for those parts of this Nation, not just the Midwest but the entire Nation, that have suffered from disasters. This is not a partisan issue. But what I find terribly ironic is that instead of completing the disaster assistance package for those fellow Americans who have suffered, we are turning to a foreign aid package, essentially, for folks in other countries. This is not to say that we should not fulfill our responsibilities globally. But the problem is, when are we going to take up and address the needs of Americans? Will we do it without placing on that legislation enormously controversial matters, hijacking our domestic disaster assistance bill for yet other political agendas? I would implore the leadership in this institution to immediately bring the disaster bill to this floor for a vote.”