Richard K. Armey: “Mr. Chairman, this is a subject that was considered, as many subjects were, with respect to, I think, a very fundamental…”

“Mr. Chairman, this is a subject that was considered, as many subjects were, with respect to, I think, a very fundamental question, to what extent do we want to maintain a synthesis of activities that complement one another and be able to coordinate these activities in such a way as to create some sort of symbiosis that would give us better efficiencies in the use of resources, complements in the process information-sharing between them, and coordinated efforts with respect to either discovery or interdiction. It has been the position of the committee as negotiated with the White House, and one of the things that we on our Select Committee were quite pleased about was the manner in which the Committee on Ways and Means worked out details with the White House. My position on this matter would be that it risks upsetting this very carefully agreed-upon provision from this committee, and I believe it runs counter to the overall larger plan which we see in so many agencies to keep resources together, keep people working with one another, and complement them with respect to their resources capabilities. In all due respect, I must resist the gentleman's amendment.”