On the recordJuly 19, 2013
I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I'd point out that the amendment, in fact, upholds our system of dual sovereignty and ensures local control over local dollars, and the legislatures will actually be able to conduct this vote as a part of their regular legislative proceedings during their annual budget vote. As it says in the language itself, the vote will be taken by the State legislatures as a part of their budget vote. This is a vote they take as a part of their regular legislative session. It's no additional burden on the States. We are simply ensuring transparency and ensuring that the legislatures fully understand the implications of accepting the Federal dollars. Those dollars, for example, that Texas rejects, we want to make sure go toward deficit reduction and paying down the national debt. It will be no additional burden on the states. In fact, this amendment will reaffirm and restore our Constitution system of dual sovereignty where the States retain a residuary and viable sovereignty over those issues that deal exclusively with the citizens of their own State. I want to thank Chairman Kline again for his support and urge Members to adopt this amendment and the underlying bill. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
