Political Quotes

“Let me first say that your comments once again, sir, are just right on target. This is one of those amendments that simply strikes out at a government agency not realizing the harm it causes the people. The impact is particularly severe for low-income families, individuals who are unable to afford the kind of legal assistance they might need to help them recover. Since Sandy, legal aid programs have been on the front lines of disaster assistance, and they will be providing legal assistance for Sandy victims for years to come. They've been dealing with FEMA assistance, with SNAP benefits, with unemployment benefits, along with legal issues related to evictions and housing problems; but the need for legal assistance will not end there. In future months and perhaps even years, cases involving FEMA appeals, bankruptcy, fair housing, and public housing issues will arise. Contractor fraud scams will proliferate as Sandy victims start receiving cash payments from insurance proceeds and housing repair grants. Legal aid programs will be called on to provide help, and more than ever now we need this kind of assistance. What's interesting about this amendment is that it's not an amendment really directed at the funding as much as it is at the whole Legal Services Corporation. It is an attempt to attack an agency that stands up for those who can't defend themselves. Interestingly enough, this was Richard Nixon's proudest program.…”