Earl Blumenauer: “this bill serves as a reminder why the American people feel Congress is failing them. It is little more than an…”

“this bill serves as a reminder why the American people feel Congress is failing them. It is little more than an incoherent grab bag of the good and bad. I am disappointed that the Republicans, in their last act of power, chose to skirt their responsibilities as lawmakers by sending this bill to the floor at the last minute and under a rule that does not allow for Members to thoroughly analyze its contents. Due to a prior engagement in my district, I was unable to be here to vote on H.R. 6111. But in the end, there is no good vote for this bill. It is my hope that under Democratic leadership next year, we will hold ourselves to a higher standard and refuse to make policy like this. Had I been present for the vote on the Markey-Hinchey motion to recommit on the Alternative Minimum Tax and oil royalties, I would have voted ``aye.``”