Sheila Jackson Lee: “I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Florida for his management of what is a difficult and trying…”

“I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Florida for his management of what is a difficult and trying legislative process and my distinguished friend from Georgia, as well, for his service. Both of them are on the Rules Committee. It pains me to come to the floor on an appropriations bill when I know that there is so much opportunity for us to be able to work together. I know my good friend from Georgia will understand the pain of which I speak and will also attest to the fact that, in many instances in the appropriations process, we have an open rule and we allow our Members to express themselves on behalf of the people of their congressional districts but, more importantly, the higher goal, and that is, the people of the United States of America. Let me first express my pain that this bill is the first bill that has come to the floor, when I know that there was vigorous debate and possibilities for the energy and water bill--certainly, in my congressional district, which has seen itself under inches and inches of rain, seeing people die, and losing individuals through these enormous rains and flooding--because we need the kind of infrastructure that comes under energy and water. That bill is not being able to pass.…”