Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. This is a bill that talks about the most unique city in our country, the District of Columbia. It is a Federal city. It is unlike any other city in the USA. Because of that uniqueness, we have to appropriate the local funds that are going to be used. The gentlewoman from the District has made an impassioned plea--a very clear and reasoned plea--as to why we need to pass this legislation. There are school teachers, there are police officers, there are folks that are picking up the garbage, there are people that work in the libraries, and they are working and they need to be paid for their services. We shouldn't penalize the people of the District of Columbia because we can't come to some conclusion on our spending bills. We don't have to be here, Mr. Speaker. We have had ample opportunity. As you know, this House has sent continuing resolutions to the Senate not once, not twice, but three times. Each time the answer was ``no.'' Now we simply ask for a conversation, for a reasoned discussion, about how we can end this shutdown. Once again, the answer is ``no.'' It is disappointing, Mr. Speaker. In fact, I am sure we are all a little bit angry, but we're here. The least we can do is pass this resolution. It fulfills our responsibility under the law. It appropriates to the District of Columbia the funds that they have raised locally. It is the right thing to do, and I urge the adoption. I yield back the balance of my time.”