Political Quotes

“I wanted to applaud the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Chairman Clinger, and the members of the committee for the great work they have done in bringing this important bill to the floor. And I want to pay special tribute to a couple of Ohioans who have played a critical role in bringing the issue of unfunded mandates to the attention of the American people, our great Governor, George Voinovich, and my colleague and very good friend, the gentleman from Cincinnati, Mr. Portman. With his usual skill, insight and diligence, Rob Portman has made this crucial reform possible. As a former city councilman and county commissioner, I can tell you that for far too long the Federal Government has imposed its regulatory whims on the State and local governments. Like it or not, fiscally battered or not, our State and local governments have been forced to comply. Let us be frank: Federal politicians have loved unfunded mandates because they are a way of putting huge new regulatory programs in place while secretly passing the tab along to the States and local governments. They have been taxing and spending while keeping the taxing part hidden. Local officials know the story all too well. Too often they find that they must reprioritize local spending needs because Washington has given them another mandate that they just cannot afford. Mr. Chairman, with H.R. 5, the party is over. Congress finally takes a giant step in the right direction.”