On the recordJuly 27, 2017
First of all, let me thank the gentlewoman from New York for her consistent leadership. Being a frequent visitor to the Rules Committee as a Member, I want to thank the manager for the courtesies extended to all of us. Let me say that I am a member of the Budget Committee, and I want to associate my stance with the gentlewoman from New York. We do not have a budget, but, in fact, the budget is not a roadmap that we are even attempting to do. The budget was a slash and burn of Medicare, Medicaid, only to give tax cuts, and it had no vision but to plus-up the Defense Appropriations. So now we come with a minibus that wants to do more damage. I have no quarrel with my friend from Texas, but it is very clear that this budget is based upon this wall, and this rule is based upon this wall. It is important for the American people to know that, while we are fighting for Medicaid and Meals on Wheels, better policing, and better education for our children, the wall that was supposed to be paid for by Mexico--let me say it again, the wall that was supposed to be paid by Mexico, as evidenced by the Commander in Chief--is now, in this rule, not for $100 million, not for $200 million, not for $50 million, but for $1,571,239,000. That is what this rule is all about. Frankly, I believe that this is a shame. Frankly, I oppose it because the Commander in Chief swore that Mexico would pay for the wall.…
