Joe Barton: “1975 we spent $332 billion, for the first time spent over $300 billion. When do you think we spent $400 billion for the…”

I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for her kind words. I appreciate the nice gift I got yesterday from her and her husband, his new book, ``The Dean.'' I look forward to reading it over Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the…

I think it's good to have this and I think it's very good that we try to work to tighten up and, as the gentlelady just said, let's determine what the real intent is and then legislate accordingly.

My Texas pride doesn't need to be hurt by that, is what you are telling me.

It is not complicated if you are an elected member of Congress and all of a sudden Medicare recipients start showing up at their town, town hall.