As we move forward, hopefully we won't be dealing with the expiration in the future. I'm wondering if the gentleman would entertain working with us and, as we come forward in the course of a replacement, if we might consider including…

For weeks now, we've faced the artificial Republican debt crisis, which was a crisis of Republican choice. And now with an agreement coming forward, we should ask the question: Is this worse than the default scare? Well, it's hardly clear…

I appreciate the gentlewoman's courtesy. Well, we are facing an artificial Republican debt crisis that was a crisis of choice, of their choice. Remember, we have repeatedly increased the debt ceiling for Republican and Democratic…

Today, the House of Representatives considered and rejected the proposal placed by Senate Majority Leader Reid before the Senate. While this is not remotely the solution we need, I voted in favor because this is the best the Republicans in…

Last night we heard the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, talk about how he stuck his neck out and offered new revenues. Well, if so, then instead of chasing the most extreme few Tea Party members of his caucus to craft an even more…

I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy. Well, we are approaching the real prospect of default for the first time in American history, and we have wasted 2 days. While we have wasted 2 days, the American public has lost over $400 billion of…

The elaborate Kabuki dance continues here on Capitol Hill surrounding the angst about increasing the debt ceiling. I think what we are seeing can be summarized in three words: ``recklessness,'' ``abuse,'' and ``hypocrisy.'' First of all…

This proposal that is brought to us today can be characterized by three words: reckless, hypocritical, and abusive. It's reckless because for the first time in history we're having people play an elaborate game of fiscal chicken…

As somebody who has spent many, many years working in my community and around the country on the promotion of livable communities, I am frankly mystified to see included in this bill an end to the program that provides technical assistance…

There is an air of unreality here on Capitol Hill. There are some people with no experience in government, little knowledge, and less regard about the outcomes who are pontificating, lecturing, and threatening. The disconnect between the…

I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy. I am uncomfortable coming to the floor and having to speak against this bill. There is nobody in Congress I have more respect and affection for than the subcommittee chairman; but this bill is an…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to join with my good friend from Virginia in speaking against this amendment, although I do appreciate my friend from Kansas in offering it, because this is precisely what would be required if the budget…