Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his expression. What I would argue is: What are Members here to do? I would vigorously disagree this is an earmark. I believe there is authorization, in particular under operation and maintenance. But the dilemma that the gentleman is making an argument on is whether or not you can increase it versus reducing it. And so what my argument is is that this is a general increase to operation and maintenance with no specific tie to indicate that it is an earmark. {time} 2100 There is no monetary benefit to me as a Member of Congress, publicly stated on the floor of the House. Therefore, this is to increase millions of jobs in America, in ports around America, for an issue that is devastating to ports and that the Army Corps of Engineers is being overwhelmed, that is, the requirement of dredging. Dredging equals allowing the quality of vessel to increase by tonnage, to bring in and take out goods that Americans have manufactured and goods that Americans are seeking to import with our allies and trading partners. It is to increase jobs. Therefore, I'd make the argument that we are bound by rules that have nothing to do with earmarks if you are, in essence, placing funding into existing accounts to help Americans--all of America--and to build our ports--all of our ports--making them more secure and making them more accessible so that the goods of Americans can go to and fro, and that jobs can multiply.…”