David Thomas: “Did my colleagues hear it? Why are we dealing with something that is 9 years away? For someone who has worked 40 years…”

“Did my colleagues hear it? Why are we dealing with something that is 9 years away? For someone who has worked 40 years, what is 9 years in terms of planning? It may be everything. The cynicism with which they simply disregard someone's few dollars, trying to be planned most efficiently for the time, value of money, so they can have a marginally better retirement, does not mean a darn thing. It does not mean anything to these people. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I want to publicly, if it does not do him too much damage, compliment my friend and colleague from Maryland. I have worked with the gentleman on the Committee on Ways and Means with some of the original preventive and wellness provisions that went into the Medicare bill. I have worked with him in a number of other very difficult and politically sensitive areas. Very much enjoyed the working relationship with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) on our side of the line. The proof of the product was that people have accepted their work product in a nonpartisan, nongimmicky environment by more than 400 votes, and with great difficulty, and with enormous courage, the gentleman from Maryland is supporting a position he knows to be right.”