Political Quotes

“Mr. President, as the Senate resumes consideration of the fiscal year 2012 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, I wish to remind my colleagues of the important programs funded in this bill. This bill funds the infrastructure that is the backbone of our military--the facilities in which our troops work, train, and live--and the facilities that support their families, including family housing, schools, hospitals, and childcare centers. It also funds the medical care and benefits promised to the Nation's veterans--a sacred trust we must not fail to honor. This is a bipartisan bill that was reported unanimously out of the Appropriations Committee. As I have said before, the bill is balanced, disciplined, and responsible. Two amendments to this bill are currently pending and several others have been filed. If my colleagues have additional amendments they wish to offer to the bill, I encourage them to file those amendments without delay or call them up if they wish a vote. My staff and Senator Kirk's staff are available to work with Members to clear amendments if possible. There is a lot going on in Washington this week, but it need not distract from the disposition of this bill. I urge my colleagues to bring any amendments they have to the floor so we can act on them and move quickly to a vote on final passage. I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.…”