Charles Rangel: “Mr. Speaker, I guess I rise in support of the bill. The reason I reluctantly say ``I guess'' is because the Republicans…”

“Mr. Speaker, I guess I rise in support of the bill. The reason I reluctantly say ``I guess'' is because the Republicans once again have shrewdly put us into a political box by bringing to the floor a provision that provides tax relief for the families of the Columbia Shuttle astronauts out of compassion for these families. There is no one in the country, no one in the House, that would not want to support this very, very sensitive provision. But, once again, the Republican leadership has to make things difficult. I am really amazed and surprised that as we ask for support for this bill, that we have to put tax provisions on this bill to provide relief for those people who make bows and arrows. It is totally unbelievable. If that is not enough, then we have to find out why would we repeal the tax on fishing tackle boxes and provide benefits for livestock sold on account of drought or other weather-related issues? Why, in God's name, can we not hold sacred just taking care of the families of the shuttle astronauts, and not clobber this bill with stuff that is just nothing more than provisions that people want to provide for their people back home? I have no problem with providing relief for pet projects back home. That is part of our responsibility. But why in the world would we put it on a bill like this? I will tell you why; so we do not have to debate these things on their merit.”