Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, let me ask my colleagues to support the gentlewoman from Ohio's amendment. I think for those States that do not provide the technical assistance to the local boards, they need that help, especially in terms of the financial integrity of the funds that they are dealing with. I do believe that the Department is in a position to do that. I would obviously think the sharing of best practices, that forum needs to occur, and somewhere at the Department of Labor is the most likely place for it to occur. I should note with regard to the other amendment that the gentlewoman had offered that was not made in order under the rule dealing with the financial integrity of the monies that move from here to the States, that we do clarify the issue of obligations versus expenditures, which we think is an important step in ensuring that there is a clear picture of what the drawdown numbers are, which today I do not think is as clear as it could be. We will continue to work with the gentlewoman as we get into conference at some point with the Senate in terms of ensuring that these Federal funds are used for their intended purpose. With that, I would urge my colleagues to support the gentlewoman's amendment.”