Political Quotes

“I thank Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz for their hard work on this bill. Today, during what the majority has labeled ``Innovation Week,'' we consider the smallest of the appropriation bills, which funds the operations of our Nation's legislative branch. Mr. Chairman, there is absolutely nothing innovative about this bill. Without Senate items, the bill is $3.341 billion. Despite years of ``tightening our belts,'' the majority has, yet again, kept funding flat and further damaged this institution's reputation and ability to function at the highest level. Member representational allowances, or MRAs, would be frozen for a third consecutive year and will continue to strain the House's ability to serve the American people due to fewer staff for constituent casework, the inability to effectively communicate with our constituents, and fewer district offices. Furthermore, we will consider amendments to the bill which would compound the problems legislative branch agencies face: our buildings are crumbling, life and safety projects are postponed, and agencies have hit the limits of what they can do with inadequate funding. Further cuts proposed today will have even greater implications for the operations of the Congress. I am concerned that the majority continues funding for a partisan lawsuit against the President.…”