Political Quotes

“I want to thank my friend. Again, I appreciate the spirit in which he approaches this. This is an interesting point of discussion because we actually have Members of both parties who really like this program and think it is very important, and we have Members of both parties that share your point of view. It is not a partisan debate in the least. I would say that there are a number of both contemporary points and a number of longer-term points that ought to be taken into account. {time} 1030 First, this was originally a $6 million item. We have cut it by 43 percent aimed at Russia. All the other participants in this program are the very countries that Russia threatens right now; particularly Ukraine, which is the second largest participant. I think it would be a really bad signal for this country to actually cut programs that are supportive of democracy in the areas immediately around Russia and, frankly, I think more or less plays into Mr. Putin's hand. Beyond that, we have a unique institution, a unique arrangement, and a unique person heading it at the Library of Congress, Mr. Billington, who is probably the world's most expert on Russian history, culture, and literature. This has been well placed, as long as he has been the librarian, and well used. So, again, I appreciate my friend's motives, but I would urge the rejection of his amendment. With that, I would like to yield the remainder of the time that I have to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr.…”