Political Quotes

“Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman. We were hoping that this would not be struck. I know the gentleman listened to the debate on the rule. It can become a partisan and contentious issue which we would prefer to avoid. That is why we put this language in the committee. We do not want to be punitive. We do not even want to be particularly divisive. All we wanted to do is to say this increase, beyond the $6,377,000 that is going to the Joint Committee on Taxation, this increase of $590,000 is simply suspended until the Congress receives the report that was requested 3 years ago and from what we understand was completed 2 years ago. If this language is not struck, then there is no more debate, we conclude this bill, we get the report, the Joint Committee on Taxation gets its increase and we avoid a very contentious and perhaps embarrassing debate for some people. We are not going to be embarrassed about it because we know we are doing the right thing by simply getting the report that we are told was done. I guess I sound a little like I am suggesting that we try to save you from yourselves, those people who really want to have this debate. We are ready for the debate, but we also think we ought to say we told you so, that if we go forward in this manner, I will raise an amendment, offer my amendment, it is, of course, in order and we are going to have an extended debate and a contentious one. I would really suggest to the gentleman to avoid that divisiveness.”