On the recordNovember 17, 2016
Let me indicate that the gentleman from California is a good friend. We have served on the Judiciary Committee for a period of time. I could not disagree with him more. Yes, a very poison pill bill passed out of the House, and it did not go any further, which I hope this one will not go any further as well. This bill is dangerous. It is a sweeping measure that would jeopardize the ability of the Federal Government to protect our Nation in times of urgent and imminent danger. Post-9/11, in the world we now live in, the role of the government in protecting its people has never been more important. Specifically, my amendment ensures that the Federal Government is not further prohibited from responding to emergencies, such as the 2013 west Texas chemical explosion that killed 15 people and created a fireball that leveled nearly the entire town. This legislation wants to en bloc--not separate, analyze, or work with the administration--en bloc. Mr. Chair, what that means is to take the whole ball of wax--take the bag and wipe out regulations that may be helping to save lives and protect the American people. I have to disagree with, again, the gentleman from California. On Homeland Security, we deal with this all the time. On the Judiciary Committee, we deal with this all the time. I have to stand in the gap. We have to stand in the gap for the security of the American people. Mr.…
