I think the gentleman from Massachusetts makes my point for me. Why would we be sending money to communities that don't have a plan to use it, that may not use it effectively? I would think before the decision is made to grant the funds to…

I won't go through the spending problems that we have and the debt problems we have, but in going through this bill and asking the question--every line item in the budget--is this spending so important that we are willing to ask our kids…

I would say to my colleagues that it is no surprise to anyone in this Chamber or to the American people that spending in Washington is out of control. Last year we had a budget deficit of some $1.5 trillion. This year we have a budget…

While I'm concerned about why this critical troop funding bill was delayed, I am pleased the House is finally focused on meeting the most pressing needs of our troops and our Nation. I told the president three months ago that Republicans…

On this day 20 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. And to the majority leader, who played a big role in making that happen, and Mr. Sensenbrenner and other Members, I want to say congratulations to all of you. And…

The American people are asking, ``Where are the jobs?'' And just this morning we found out that housing starts fell in the month of June to the lowest level in 8 months. Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level in the last 11…

I want to thank my colleague for yielding and say to my colleagues that the President, on February 1, sent up a supplemental spending request to fund our activities for our troops and the State Department in Afghanistan. For 5 months, this…

The legislation before us fails the American people. Americans have suffered through a financial meltdown. A serious financial meltdown that destroyed millions of jobs and wiped out the savings of millions of American families. A…

``Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech.'' We all know that that is part of our First Amendment to the Constitution. It is first for a reason, because freedom of speech is the basis for our democracy, but today, the…

Thomas ``Lud'' Ashley was a tireless public servant who ably served Ohio and our nation for more than a quarter century. A World War II veteran, Lud was raised in Toledo in a family with deep Ohio roots and a strong sense of patriotism…

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today is supposed to be about helping small businesses. We do need to help small businesses as they are the engines of economic growth in our country. When you look at the jobs report that came out last…

The House is 2 months late in passing a budget. In that time, unemployment has remained nearly 10 percent, and the national debt has now exceeded $13 trillion. Last week, I gave the President a letter signed by more than 100 top economists…

This is the first time in my 20 years here that I have seen the Speaker lobbying from the podium. Let me welcome all of my colleagues here to the Capitol today. There are a good number of you. I would hope that some of you would work to…

On behalf of the House Republican Conference, let me welcome Congressman Charles Djou, his wife, Stacey, and their children, family and guests to our Nation's Capitol. Charles understands what it means to pursue the American Dream because…

Yesterday, President Obama asked for a new law to give him specific authority to force Congress to vote on spending cuts. He already has the ability to force Congress to consider spending cuts immediately, and we've been asking him to do…

Let me thank my colleague for yielding and remind my colleagues that once again we're debating the Cash for Caulkers bill. We are going to weatherize homes around America, and we're going to put Americans back to work once again. The only…

We are seeing a growing credibility gap here in Washington. Democrats are saying one thing and doing something else. It started with the trillion dollar stimulus plan that was rushed through with promises that it would create jobs…

I think all of us realize that while Father Coughlin is here to lead us in the opening prayer or to work with other ministers who come, he is also there for our spiritual guidance--days when we're sad and, frankly, days when we're happy…

The American people are asking: Where are the jobs? But as we see today, the issue of government-run health care will continue to be the focus of this body. It will remain the focus of this body because of the unilateral, secretive, rushed…

The violence and threats are unacceptable. They have no place in a political debate.

Violence and threats are unacceptable. They have no place in a political debate.

I know many Americans are angry over this health care bill and that Washington Democrats just aren't listening. But, as I've said, violence and threats are unacceptable.

Can you go home to tell your constituents with confidence that this bill respects the sanctity of all human life and that it -- it won't allow for taxpayer funding of abortions for the first time in 30 years. No, you cannot.

Have you read the bill? Have you read the reconciliation bill? Have you read the manager's amendment? Hell, no, you haven't!

Can you go home and tell your constituents with confidence that this bill respects the sanctity of all human life and that it won't allow for taxpayer funding of abortions for the first time in 30 years?