Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, the rule that we have before us could very well begin the process of ending the funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. I stand in complete opposition to the rule and to the bill. Mr. Speaker, let us get our priorities straight and let us try to understand what this country is supposed to stand for. Art and culture are a vital part of human existence. The opportunity to enjoy the arts, to enjoy culture, must be open to all of our people, and not just those who can afford $100 for a concert ticket. Mr. Speaker, the United States spends only 64 cents per person to support the arts endowment, 64 cents, 50 times less than our major allies. In contrast, we spend over $1,000 per person on the military, far more than our allies. Why is it that this Congress can lower taxes on the wealthiest people in America, do away with taxes for the largest corporations in America, but eliminate programs which bring art and culture into classrooms in the State of Vermont and all over this country? Why is it that this Congress can pour billions of dollars more into B-2 bombers that the Pentagon tells us that do not need, but we cut back on funding for symphony orchestras and theater groups all over America? Mr. Speaker, I would remind our colleagues that one B-2 bomber costs $1.5 billion, 10 times the entire allocation for the National Endowment for the Arts.”