Jerrold Nadler: “I rise in support of H.R. 2442 and urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this first reauthorization bill in more…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2442 and urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this first reauthorization bill in more than a decade and to oppose all amendments to cut funding for these two important agencies or compromise the important work that they do. I would also like to commend Chairman Wise and my fellow New Yorker, ranking member Susan Molinari, for the dedicated and cooperative bipartisan spirit in which they have crafted and moved this important legislation. As a member of the historic freshman class of the 103d Congress, I think it is important to remember what was on our constituents' minds as they went to the polls in 1992 and changed the face of our national Government. Do you remember? It was 'the economy, stupid!' Our constituents were fed up because they couldn't get their children to a doctor, they couldn't hold on to their jobs or make ends meet no matter how hard they worked, and they couldn't even take comfort in the confidence that the many sacrifices they have made have been worthwhile because, in America, the next generation always does better. For too many of our neighbors, the promise of the American dream, that through hard work and perseverance, you can make it and your children will do better, was a broken promise. Well, people were right to be angry in 1992. That is why we got a new President and a turnover rate in this House of 25 percent. Does anyone think the voters have forgotten why we were sent here in 1992?”