Political Quotes

“I think we need to get to a reasonable defense budget. Full disclosure: I don't support the effort to cut $100 billion from the defense budget. I think we have clearly articulated needs. But I think the President and the Department of Defense, when they put forward this budget, took that into account. One of the things I have always been worried about on the Armed Services Committee is if we just give them more and more money, they won't spend it as well as they should. They will not have the fiscal discipline to go in there and make sure that the money is being spent wisely, which I have said many, many times is as important and, in many cases, more important than how much is spent. Over the course of the last 20 years, we have not had a good record. Many programs have gone over budget and underperformed. We are getting better, but I think we need to live within our means. The President put forward his budget. We ought to respect that budget and support it. It is more than enough to defend the country. If we go back to the President's number, it is $813 billion, which is a significant 4 percent increase over last year's budget. It is not like we aren't spending money if we stick to the President's budget. I think that number should work, and I think that is the number we should stick to. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for offering that amendment and making the arguments she has.”