Thomas A. Garrett

It is the belief of this member that no child based on any external factor is any less capable of success than another child.

I think one of the existential challenges, and I use that word intentionally, existential, facing America is the denial of a fundamental entitlement of American birth, and that is the entitlement to an opportunity.

Our schools are failing our children.

I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to my distinguished colleague from California. While we might not agree on all that is appropriate within the purview of the Department, we do agree on being effective stewards…

We can have a regime change if we will strictly enforce sanctions. We have never been willing to do that.

I am a big fan of peace and stability, and I advocate loud and vociferously on behalf of regime change.

I ask that you join me today as we remember the lives of Jaiden Bartee and Tori Perez, ages 5 and 6 years old, who, as they stood with their mothers waiting for the schoolbus on the morning of March 30, were struck down and taken from this…

We really need to have political solutions. We need strong leadership from the U.N. and other places to be able to bring cogent solutions to what's going on.

Americans can define their own success. And I think that's the key to it.

There is no shame in it, in fact there's honor in it.

We can do this. But sometimes, I think, when we try to dictate it from on high at a Federal level, we just miss the target.

I would argue that the best arbiter of the needs of the working world are the local communities.

Justice that is not blind is not justice.

The equal protection clause provides that no State shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the law.

But you would agree with the sentiments expressed by Secretary Rumsfeld that essentially the terrorists only have to be right once; we have to be right all the time.

Do you consider it part of your oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic--do you consider part of your oath to ensure that the vetting that we apply to individuals who would…

Currently we are 20 trillion in debt. And if you go out to CBO, the trendline is in 10 years we're going to add another 10 trillion.

Medicare and Social Security are both insolvent in 15 years, roughly speaking.

Once again, the chairman said it more succinctly than I. I urge all Members to support the legislation. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

The gentleman said it more succinctly than I did in the last 4 minutes, and I thank him. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman from New Jersey has expired.

Most importantly, the bill creates a seven-member oversight board to oversee their debt restructuring and to conduct financial audits. What would this board do? It would require commonsense actions like sustainable government programs to…

I have two additional speakers. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Poliquin).

I have already given him compliments, as many as I am going to give on the floor. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Poliquin) because he has been an outstanding member of the committee and is the sponsor…

We can use those sanctions, those sanctions from the very committee that I was on, to negotiate a good deal. I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting the security of the United States and protecting the security of our allies as well…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New Jersey will be postponed. Amendment Offered by Mr. Ellison