Political Quotes

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong support of H.R. 2608, to provide the continuing resolution for the initial weeks. And I want to be sure that we keep the government open. And by passing this bill, we will keep the government open. This bill is needed to keep vital government services and programs operating past the end of the fiscal year on September 30. As the gentleman from Kentucky has stated, the Committee on Appropriations has made great progress in moving 11 of the 12 annual bills. However, additional time is needed for the consideration of the other. This continuing resolution, for anyone who questions it, conforms to the spending reduction targets that were agreed to by the House, the Senate, and the White House. It's exactly the same number, and so no reason to vote against it. Specifically, the bill sets an annual rate that reduces overall discretionary spending by 1.5 percent from fiscal year 2011. In addition, the bill provides disaster funding to provide much- needed assistance to individuals and communities suffering from hurricane and flood damage. The State of Virginia has been hit, as many others. I urge all my colleagues to vote for this bill. By voting for the bill, we will keep the government open. The American people sometimes think this institution and this town is dysfunctional. We can ensure that we can do our work. Pass this bill.”