Political Quotes

“I am going to accept the amendment. My father was a policeman--Philadelphia policeman, badge 3990. I think Mr. Reichert makes a very, very powerful case, and I have great respect for law enforcement. I just want to put it in context. We are going to accept the amendment, but article I, section 2 of the Constitution requires a census every 10 years. This is one of the few areas where the Constitution actually requires this body to do something. Frankly, this body, a lot of times, does nothing. This, we are required to do it. This amendment cuts funding for the periodic census. Without getting into detail, we will try to work this out when we go to conference because I am sympathetic. We are going to start getting a lot more amendments: cut census, it is not for a few more years. But then the time comes. However, I think Mr. Reichert makes a powerful case. We do respect law enforcement, and he makes a powerful case. We cannot solve the issue of sexual trafficking with just Federal officers. We need the sheriffs and the police departments. Having said all that, there will be some pain, and we will have to work this thing out, but I accept the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”