Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment. Once again, the other side is really pushing the envelope in terms of characterizing what this amendment actually does. This amendment would strike provisions included in this bill that would prohibit the Department of Commerce from issuing licenses for new types of exports that are permitted under the Obama administration's new policy of engagement with Cuba. This provision is not only an inappropriate policy rider in this appropriations bill, but, if included, it would put this House, once again, on the wrong side of history. Supporters of this provision claim that it would only prohibit exporting to anyone who works with the Cuban military, intelligence services, and their immediate families. The reality is that the effects of this provision are much, much broader. It would make it difficult for the Department of Commerce to issue licenses to companies that want to export to Cuba, U.S. companies that create jobs in the United States of America. This includes equipment and supplies for entrepreneurs that are related to running their own businesses here in America, and it includes the materials, equipment, and tools to construct or renovate privately owned businesses. Simply put, this rider is wrong. It is wrong for business, and it certainly should not be part of a bill that funds our critical Commerce, Justice, and Science programs.…”