Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to speak about H.R. 5305, a bill that will prevent the Federal Government from shutting down and provide a helping hand to Americans who have faced loss and devastation due to storms, wildfires, and other natural disasters. I should note that I opposed a similar package last week when it came to the floor. Since that time, the Senate has removed the debt ceiling from the bill. Madam Speaker, let me reinforce an important point for those listening to us debate this bill. We did not have to be in this place just hours before shutdown. Republicans made it clear in August that tying a debt ceiling vote to the continuing resolution was not something we could support. Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the party that controls the House, the Senate, and the White House decided to do exactly what we asked them not to do. I hope we can soon move forward with the stopgap measure so that the critical function of government can continue and the Committee on Appropriations can finish the fiscal year 2022 bills. If we don't pass a CR today, we will be faced with an unnecessary and costly government shutdown, which would impact military readiness, border security, and so many important programs Americans rely on. Before I close, I must admit that I am disappointed that an issue I raised repeatedly on the floor of the House last week is not yet resolved.…”