Political Quotes

“I do come from Texas, and believe in energy independence. But I do not think this measure is about energy independence. It is about pork futures. I took a shot at NIPER, which is what this is all about, it is the National Institute for Petroleum and Energy Research, known by its acronym of NIPER, in the Committee on Science. And we came within one vote of eliminating this earmark, which is a good indication of how really disputed this whole issue is. If energy independence is the goal, then why is the authorizing committee cutting fossil fuel research by 45 percent and why is it being reduced in this bill? The issue here is not energy independence. It is whether or not we are going to earmark these moneys to be spent on one research institute of all those in the country that just happens to be in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. When we begin earmarking to these particular institutes and particular facilities, we violate the tradition that has gone on in the Committee on Science up until this year. And we also essentially in doing an earmark are doing nothing but having a sow's earmark. People talk about cutting pork up here, but this is one of those little $5 million piglets that is squealing around this floor tonight. If you believe we ought to provide not only for energy independence but a little independence for the taxpayer and see that this kind of special interest amendment is not included, then you vote for the amendment that my colleagues have offered.”