Political Quotes

“first, I wish to recognize our distinguished colleague from Maine, former member of the Armed Services Committee. We deeply regret that the Senator moved on, but she is now on the Tax Committee. As someone said, that is where the money is. It is with great reluctance that I say to my good friend that we will have to very strongly oppose this. She makes an equitable argument, persuasive argument. But we have to take a look at the broad picture. This is the fifth BRAC round. When the original legislation was written, there was quite an analysis put into that bill as to what happens to the properties if the BRAC Commission declares it to be closed. That framework of laws has guided four previous BRAC Commissions. Let us step back and think. While this particular base, Brunswick-- and I know it well, having been Secretary of the Navy--served the Nation magnificently, I was somewhat surprised to see it was closed, but the decision was made. And believe me, BRAC also hit my State severely. The decision was made to close it. That is over. We can't repeal that. But this base property does not just belong to the citizens of Maine but all Americans. It is Federal property. As such, it is owned by all Americans. All Americans, through their tax collections, provided the funds to improve this base over the years and to maintain the base. We have to be careful as the BRAC Commission lays down a matrix of closure adjustments all over America.…”