Preston Geren: “Mr. Chairman, the debate tonight is not about the merits of the programs that are the subject of these amendments. The…”

“Mr. Chairman, the debate tonight is not about the merits of the programs that are the subject of these amendments. The debate is about a very simple principle, the principle that any program that is important enough to pass is important enough to pay for. On the last amendment I am pleased to report that 72 Democrats voted to uphold that principle. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote no on this amendment, and continue to vote against unfunded mandates.”