Political Quotes

“Today I voted for the fiscal year 2003 Appropriations Bill for Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government. This bill contains key provisions that I have supported in Congress. The appropriations bill before us contains a measure that prohibits the use of funds in the bill to finalize, implement, administer or enforce the proposed Treasury Department rule declaring that real estate brokerage is 'an activity that is financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity.' I agree with this prohibition and am a cosponsor of H.R. 3424, which would accomplish the same objective. The banking industry provides an invaluable function in our economy and the integrity of its operations and security of deposits is critical. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is speeding ongoing changes in the United States financial services industry and allows banks flexibility in responding to economic trends. However, I do not believe the benefits of allowing banks to engage in real estate brokerage and property management activities outweigh the risks. Regarding the Postal Service, the bill specifically requires that six-day delivery of mail be continued.”