Political Quotes

“I want to again commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. McIntosh) for the efforts that we have made throughout many long and arduous hearings over this important bill. I regret that we have not been able to come to an agreement, but I still can say that I admire his dedication and his willingness to attempt to craft a mutual agreement, and I look forward to an opportunity to work with him again on another occasion, hopefully something that could reach a mutual conclusion. The amendment that the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney) and I are offering today is consistent with the goals that we have set out for this legislation, to help small business while protecting the health and safety of the public. I want to tell the gentleman from Massachusetts how much I have appreciated his assistance in trying to bring this bill back to a point where it is going to benefit small business and the public. This amendment is also consistent with past action by the Congress on small business issues, issues such as SBREFA which the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) so ably spoke to a moment ago. This amendment would require, and I emphasize the word ``require,'' all agencies to establish specific policies and programs to allow them to eliminate, delay or reduce civil fines for first-time violators of paperwork requirements.”