Political Quotes

“Once again, I agree with my friend on the basic point, but this, too, is a program that was authorized with no funding. The things we got funding for in the 21st Century Cures Act, we funded to the penny. Frankly, things we didn't get funding for, we still authorized. This is one of those cases where, again, the cause is worthy, and we are willing to work with the gentleman--and we will certainly continue to do that--but a lot of these things that my friend just mentioned are from programs that were authorized by non-appropriations committees. We don't create the programs. That is where my friends, frankly, on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Ways and Means Committee need to spend some time. They need to spend some time deauthorizing certain programs that continue. Again, I will work with my friend if our allocation changes or we can find additional savings. But I can't willy-nilly, particularly when we have already cut these administrative programs, partly in the en bloc amendment, to fund some of the very things, including my friend's amendment, that we felt were very worthy. We will look at this. The other thing that I would hope we could do is work with our friends on the other side of the aisle. I will just tell you, from a conference standpoint, when you go to a conference with a program that has been authorized but not funded, it is extremely difficult to get the other body to join in with you. That is just the reality.…”