Political Quotes

“Madam President, I am pleased to present the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and related agencies appropriations bill to the Senate. The bill was unanimously reported out of the committee on June 30. It is a fiscally disciplined and bipartisan measure, and I hope all Senators will support it. I thank my ranking member, Senator Kirk, for his contributions in crafting this bill. He has taken a very active role on the subcommittee, and it has been a pleasure to work with him. I also thank Chairman Inouye and Vice Chairman Cochran, as well as Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell for their support and assistance in moving this bill forward. The MILCON-VA appropriations bill provides crucial investments in infrastructure for our military, including barracks and family housing, mission critical training and operational facilities, schools and hospitals, and childcare and family support centers. It also fulfills the Nation's promise to our vets by providing the resources needed for their medical care and benefits. Madam President, the bill before the Senate today totals $142 billion, of which $72.5 billion is discretionary funding. We are all mindful of the severe economic problems facing this Nation, and this bill reflects that reality. It is $1.25 billion below the budget request and $618 million below the fiscal year 2011 enacted level. I can assure my colleagues there are no congressional earmarks in the bill.…”