Political Quotes

“I do rise to oppose the rule and also to oppose H.R. 2 that is covered in this rule. One of the reasons is, indeed, the process. We have heard mention of it being a closed process and a closed rule, as indeed it is, and that doesn't speak to any type of bipartisanship. I had what I thought was a very germane amendment which was not allowed. Madam Speaker, what this would have done was to phase out coverage, phase out coverage for nonpregnant adults. Now, this bill is SCHIP, the State Children's health insurance Program. It is to cover low-income children. But we have a majority in charge in this House that is not taking this bill to the health subcommittee. It is not taking it to Energy and Commerce Committee. It is bringing it straight to the floor. In this bill that you will vote on is coverage, expanded coverage for adults. That, indeed, is unfortunate. As we have heard, there also are tax increases. There is a $70.8 billion tax increase over the next 10 years in this bill. It is tobacco taxes. The Congressional Research Service, which is nonpartisan, calls tobacco taxes the most regressive of the Federal taxes. That is included as a pay-for in this bill for expanded coverage and changing of a block grant program that has worked successfully for low-income children, changing it to an entitlement program. There are a list of reasons to oppose this bill.”