Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I raise a point of order against the provision beginning with the colon on page 327, line 22, and continuing through the word ``crime'' on page 328, line 2, of the Rules Committee print because it violates clause 2 of House rule XXI. Under clause 2(b) of rule XXI, a provision that changes existing law may not be reported in a general appropriations bill. Section 510 of Division C provides that 5 percent of the amounts available for obligation from the Department of Justice's Crime Victims Fund be made available for grants to Indian tribal governments in fiscal year 2018. This provision violates rule XXI because it changes existing law. The Victims of Crime Act already provides a statutory distribution formula of the Crime Victims Fund for fiscal year 2018. Section 510 would change the formula. This statutory formula is squarely in the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee. As this amendment would change current law by altering a statutory formula, it is a violation of clause 2(b) of rule XXI. Therefore, I insist on my point of order. The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point of order? The Chair is prepared to rule. The Chair finds that this provision explicitly supersedes existing law. The provision, therefore, constitutes legislation in violation of clause 2 of rule XXI. The point of order is sustained, and the provision is stricken from the bill. Are there any other points of order against the bill?…”