Political Quotes

“However, Mr. Speaker, the bill before the House today is a phony bill for many reasons. The rules have been thrown under the bus. No markup, no conference with the Senate. First and foremost, this product is the product of a couple of people in a body of 435. It does not reflect the best ideas of bipartisan membership of the Appropriations Committee. And when it leaves this Chamber, it will not reflect the best ideas of the 435 Members of this House. While I often disagree with the chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the Senate, Senator Byrd, at least he stood up for his committee and for the regular order and for the prerogatives of the Appropriations Committee in the Senate. I have heard over the last several days the assertion that Members of the minority were offered an opportunity to participate. I must have missed it; I don't remember any consultation. Mr. Speaker, I am embarrassed that the committee on which I am so revered and on which I have been so proud to serve for so many years has been reduced to this phony exercise. The reality is that the majority knows that this bill is going to be vetoed.”