Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to the amendment. Basically, this amendment would take away the obligation of the States to plan to use Federal resources. At the core of this legislation are two basic principles: accountability of Federal funds and flexibility for the States. The only way we can reasonably and realistically achieve those things is to require the States to consider a whole range of options in a comprehensive, coherent plan. That is all this legislation does. Mr. Chairman, to strip away the planning component from this legislation would basically be telling us to give the money to the States without any accountability, and to try another approach by micromanaging would be to take away their flexibility. The committee bill builds on two principles: accountability and flexibility. That is a sound approach. It is an approach we should support by rejecting this amendment.”