Political Quotes

“We have a good bill here. I was pleased to work with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor) to craft a legislative branch appropriation bill that really ought to deserve strong bipartisan support. The 302(b) allocation of $3.4 billion that the subcommittee received was fine. It may sound like a high number, but it reflects approximately a 5 percent increase over last year's appropriation. It largely covers the cost-of-living adjustment for all the Members' offices, committees and legislative branch agencies. In terms of total Federal spending, it is a pretty small amount, approximately .18 percent of the fiscal year 2003 budget. In other words, if the whole budget was equal to $1, this would be \18/100\ of one penny, a small price to pay for the greatest functioning democratic body in the world. For as good or as bad as this institution may operate, on certain days it is this Nation's best check on tyranny and one-man rule. It is the best opportunity for the views and concerns of the public to be heard and addressed by the Federal Government. Mr. Chairman, the bill before us today will improve security and will ensure that this institution is better prepared to respond to any future terrorist threat.”