Political Quotes

“I rise in support of this open rule. Our Nation's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and deserve relief from the burdens of unnecessary paperwork. However, H.R. 391, in its current form, could have wide-ranging and serious negative, unintended consequences. That is why the administration opposes it. In fact, four department heads have recommended a veto if the bill is passed in its current form. Similarly, senior citizens' groups oppose the bill. Environment, labor, public health organizations also oppose it. And several State attorneys general oppose it. This opposition stems from a well-intended but dangerous provision in the bill which would bar agencies from assessing civil penalties for most first-time paperwork violations. Essentially, this means that businesses would have one get-out-of-jail-free card which they can use even when they have willfully and maliciously violated the law. These provisions could interfere with the war on drugs, endanger our drinking water, jeopardize the care in nursing homes, and threaten our pensions, our environment and our health.”