Political Quotes

“I had the opportunity to chair the Military Construction Subcommittee and worked as ranking member. It is an extremely important subcommittee for the military. With what has been going on in Afghanistan, it is compounded as to its importance. That is why the two Senators who run this committee, the Senators from California and Texas, Mrs. Feinstein and Mrs. Hutchison, have worked so hard getting it in a posture that has been signed off by literally everyone, including Senator McCain, who has reviewed the work done. They have done a wonderful job. I would also say to my friend from Arizona, Nevada, last year and the year before, was scourged with terrible fires. We didn't have forest fires; we had range fires that burned millions of acres. We were able to get money to help replenish those rangelands so depleted as a result of the fires. I have been here a long time. I never remember a time when we did not respond to take care of the needs caused by fires in this country. Most of the fires occur in the West. We have always handled that. We have 12 other appropriations bills coming through here. With all due respect, I say to the junior Senator from Arizona, this is not the time to hold up this legislation.”