Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support my amendment to the Rural Energy Savings Program. This amendment will direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance and advice to the entities providing loans under this act to increase participation in the areas of high unemployment. This important amendment will go a long way towards making sure those areas that have been hit the hardest are about to take advantage of this legislation. As you know, unemployment is still a real problem for many Americans throughout the country. In my congressional district, as an example, I have two counties that are significantly above the national average for unemployment, which is about 9.4. Hidalgo County is suffering at 11.1 percent, and Starr County is at 17.3 percent. This amendment will make sure that these communities are not left out of this good piece of legislation. Under my amendment, USDA will provide its expertise to the entities providing loans for the purposes of outreach. This amendment will increase economic activity in the areas that need it the most while providing valuable energy cost savings. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Holden, and the other folks who have been working very hard, and also the ranking members. I thank you, and stand in strong support of this piece of legislation along with my amendment. I ask Members to vote ``yes'' on my amendment.…”