Political Quotes

“Thank you. Briefly, I would hope that the Chair would consider a couple of salient points. Number one, it is our intent, and I believe universal intent, that by this amendment we don't intend to change the basic nature of this program. It does apply this benefit to those homeowners who are current on their mortgage obligations. We would intend that that standard and condition would continue. And I would point out to the Chair the language of our amendment specifically says that this program would only be carried out under ``appropriate guidelines and standards.'' We think this solves that problem. We seek our congressional intent to continue. We hope that the Members will be able to be heard on this. The Acting CHAIR. Does any other Member wish to be heard on the point of order? If not, the Chair is prepared to rule. The gentlewoman from Illinois makes the point of order that the amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington is not germane. The bill addresses repeal of a Federal Housing Administration program that provides for refinancing of a specified set of mortgages. One of the fundamental principles of germaneness is that the amendment must relate to the subject matter of the underlying bill. The bill is confined to a specific type of refinancing program. The amendment seeks to address a different type of refinancing program, a matter outside the ambit of the bill. The amendment is therefore not germane. The point of order is sustained.”