Political Quotes

“You know, it is always difficult to raise any concerns over a bill that is so desperately needed to provide emergency aid to the victims of natural disasters. And I certainly support the expedited consideration of this bill and the blanket waiver of points of order to permit it to be brought to the floor of the House today. This is one occasion that warrants putting the legislative process on a fast-track, as this rule does. At the same time, we have to be especially careful that we do not abuse this expedited process by shutting out amendments that should be considered, or by passing legislation that we do not fully understand. Even when you move a bill with all deliberate speed, you must still deliberate--that is, carefully weigh and debate the merits of the legislation and consider amendments to improve on it. And this rule makes a partial attempt to ensure such deliberation. The central issue here today is whether this disaster relief bill should be self-financed or whether it should simply be chalked up as a further add-on to the deficit.”