Charles E. Schumer: “I am in support of the legislation. Let me say two things, Madam Speaker, No. 1, it is about time we did this. It is…”

“I am in support of the legislation. Let me say two things, Madam Speaker, No. 1, it is about time we did this. It is just long overdue. If America is going to have a banking system that can compete internationally, we should have interstate banking now. We should have had it 10 years ago, and there is no economic argument to stand in the way. It is pro-consumer to have interstate banking, because you have more banks competing. It is pro-America to have interstate banking, because our banks will be stronger and compete internationally, and it will also bring about the kind of strengthening of the banking system, which I believe is rather weak, that we so desperately need. I would say to my colleague, the gentleman from Maryland, and my colleague, the gentleman from Massachusetts, I appreciate the valiant fight they are making, and I am very sympathetic and have always supported the type of legislation they are offering. But we have been through this time and time again. Every time we try to add one thing onto the bill, then other and other and other things happen, and nothing gets passed. We have to pass this bill plain. I urge a 'yes' vote.”