Norman D. Dicks: “I thank the gentleman. Just so we have a historical perspective of what we're talking about here today, the United…”

“I thank the gentleman. Just so we have a historical perspective of what we're talking about here today, the United States Botanic Garden is rooted in the Nation's heritage. During the late 18th century, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison shared the dream of a national Botanic Garden and were instrumental in establishing one on The National Mall in 1820. It just seems to me that even though we're in difficult fiscal times--and I could make an argument that we should be spending money on projects to put people to work, including the dome. But this has a historic significance to our country--George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. To me, we can find $1.23 million to do the repair work that is necessary to keep this in good condition for the American people. This is a priority. I hope that we will all resoundingly defeat the gentleman's amendment.”