Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, my friend from Georgia suggests that this is very complex and difficult and that we have wrapped ourselves around the axle, and we can't do this in the Rules Committee or in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. That is hogwash. I wish that the Ways and Means Committee would have accepted the legislation that I have had for the last 5 years that is supported by the Chamber and the truckers and AAA and bicyclists and engineers--but, no, they have not done it. We could have an opportunity with this bill. There are a number of my colleagues who have proposals for finance, but they wouldn't even make in order a study, for heaven's sakes. This year, seven Republican States, including Georgia, have raised the gas tax. They have followed the admonition of President Ronald Reagan in 1982, who called on Congress to come back after Thanksgiving recess and raise the gas tax. The gentleman was not there when I testified, but I submitted a list of 18 organizations that support raising the gas tax, and we are not even allowed an opportunity to debate it on the floor. That is why we can't do as good a job as we want with this transportation bill. And what are we given?--a 6-year shell with 3 years of, sort of, pay- fors--I like this--requiring the Federal Reserve dividend, which is opposed by most of my Republican friends.…”