Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. We know that decades of Federal disinvestment have failed the American people. Yet, this amendment attempts to gut the seven appropriations bills included in this package that will deliver critical funding and services to the American people. Coming from a coastal State, Rhode Island's roads and bridges cannot withstand rising sea levels and more violent storms. College students are struggling to afford both textbooks and groceries, and thousands of Americans do not have internet access at home. These projects will be addressed by the historic investments in working people and families included in this minibus, but the drastic cuts included in this amendment will derail this progress. This legislation will provide students receiving the maximum Pell grant with an additional $400 next school year, establish a civilian climate corps to promote conservation and fight the climate crisis, and create thousands of well-paying jobs rebuilding our Nation's infrastructure. Notably, it will address some of the most pressing challenges facing Rhode Islanders by providing over $9 million for nine community projects in the State. I thank Chairwoman DeLauro and members of the Committee on Appropriations for the extraordinary work they have done. This is the set of appropriations bills we can be very proud of because it is investing in working families. I just heard one of my Republican colleagues squawk about spending money.…”