David Obey: “I just heard the gentleman from California somehow talk about unionization in this effort. Is the gentlewoman aware of…”

I would simply say, Mr. Speaker, that the White House submitted this request for disaster relief over a month ago. Everyone in this institution has known about it; in addition to which, the gentleman's staff has known for a good 2 weeks…

He tells the truth fearlessly, and he is a patriot in every sense of the word. I will miss David's commitment, his dedication, and his integrity. And though soon no longer to be a colleague, he will always be my friend, and I think I know…

This amendment was a Republican amendment offered by Mr. Cole from Oklahoma. It was not slipped in. It was voted in in the subcommittee appropriation bill 5 months ago.

I have the highest respect and appreciation for our troops who have done everything asked of them, but they are being let down by the inability of the governments of Afghanistan and, in some instances, Pakistan to do their parts. I would…