Sheila Jackson Lee: “I know that as my colleagues listen to the debate on the floor of the House, they don't have the full picture of Members…”

“I know that as my colleagues listen to the debate on the floor of the House, they don't have the full picture of Members returning from work recess, where we have been meeting with constituents, to come here today to take this important step. We are the People's House, and it certainly gives us no trouble to fly in to be able to make this important decision. But this is out of the ordinary. And it is out of the ordinary because you are looking at people who really care about what is happening, the strangulation of our States and the losses and the pink slips that teachers are getting so that our children cannot learn and be part of the competitive edge in the world. I know it factually, having more than seven school districts in my community. Today we are doing something that Chairman Obey deserves credit for, for his vision and his tenacity, someone who knows what it is to be without. Today we are talking about helping people.”