Kay Bailey Hutchison: “my amendment keeps the intent of the Senate. It creates an intelligence subcommittee on Appropriations. It keeps 13…”

“my amendment keeps the intent of the Senate. It creates an intelligence subcommittee on Appropriations. It keeps 13 subcommittees on Appropriations, but it allows the Appropriations Committee to do the reorganization within those parameters. According to the Congressional Research Service, there has never been a subcommittee eliminated by the Senate without coming from a committee itself. This would set a precedent that could affect committees for years to come. It is not right, and there is no reason to have to do it on the Senate floor today. We must consult with the House so that our Appropriations Committees match. Appropriations are complicated enough. Having Appropriations Committees that are different in the House from the Senate is not a wise decision, and we don't have to do it today. I urge my colleagues to adopt my amendment which keeps the intelligence subcommittee, it keeps 13 subcommittees in Appropriations, and allows the Appropriations Committee to do its job in reorganizing around those parameters.”