Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3237, a bill to provide funding for Capitol security and other purposes. Unfortunately, after several weeks of discussion, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have chosen a path of partisanship instead of working together. I want to explain how we ended up in this situation. In January, the Speaker of the House directed a retired lieutenant general and his team to review security needs on the House side of the Capitol following the events of January 6. This review was directed without even consulting House Republicans or the Senate. Even though the review by General Honore began as a partisan effort, members of the Appropriations Committee hoped things could get back on track and we could negotiate a funding agreement that could be supported by both parties in both Chambers. That is why it is so disappointing that we are now left with the bill before us. This is a one-sided solution that does not even have buy-in from Democrats in the Senate. The bill we are considering today implements permanent recommendations before ongoing security assessments are complete; it creates a multi-million-dollar fund for future expenses at the Capitol prior to knowing what is really needed; and it delays much-needed reimbursements for agencies that have protected the Capitol since January 6, such as the National Guard and the Capitol Police.…”