Political Quotes

“let me make it clear, first of all, because we have heard the half a million dollar figure bandied about a couple times now. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) never asked me for half a million dollars. Now, I can produce today about nine to 10 different sheets that we have had over the last 4 years in House administration of people asking for all types of money, minority and majority. So the half a million dollar figure is absolutely erroneous. And to actually stand here today and think that House Administration would be able to produce a half a million per committee in the future is also ridiculous. And I also think the gentleman does not want to start to talk about the history of spending in House Administration in this House, especially in the last 9 years when we, in fact, have pared down hundreds and hundreds of staff and cut one-third of the size of this House, in fact. So I do not think you want to get into today the spending history. But let me make it clear. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) followed the rules to the T. This was bipartisan. This was mailed out for Democrats. This was mailed out for Republicans. Another statement today that is incorrect, I am sure the gentleman did it in error, is about the fact of limits, Members in this House are unlimited in how much they would spend. Your 70-some mailers in the last 2 years, you are unlimited, and that is your choice; and I do not today disparage you for mailing those.”