On the recordDecember 11, 2014
It has been a long day, and I believe the American people have seen the best of what America is in the vigorous debate and review of the future of this Nation. Yes, there were some positive aspects to the appropriations bill--the $5 billion in funding for Ebola treatment and the $2.2 billion for the rural development account which will help my constituents in Jacinto City, helping them rebuild a burned-down police station, which I hope to work on, and yes, the $18.1 billion for NASA, $363.7 million more than in 2014. But I believe that out of good conscience, I would not want to stand in support of again going backwards in allowing banks to be engaged in derivatives and having American taxpayers pay for their actions. I believe in opportunities and banks and investment, but not the derivative work that causes them to be able to have the taxpayers pay for their mistakes. Finally, I believe there is too much money in campaigns and politics; and now in this bill that will be signed by the President, $300,000 will be allowed to be given by one individual as opposed to the $97,000. Get money out of politics. Let's get back to legislating for the people, and we can all join together united for good legislation. ____________________
