Political Quotes

“I rise in strong opposition to this rule. The crux of this bill is about $8 billion of social spending, and this rule does not allow a debate, it does not allow an amendment, does not allow anything to touch that $8 billion. Programs are funded in this bill to increase the self-esteem of the young criminals and to fund midnight basketball recreation programs. There are some of us who think that that money would be better spent on building more prison space for those who are convicted by a jury of their peers. But, furthermore, the legislation that this rule protects does not allow for funding of these programs. So, instead of the $8 billion being funny money, it is phony money, because it is an unfunded authorization bill and the amendment that the gentleman from Georgia proposed to set up a trust fund to pay for this was not made in order by the Committee on Rules. Much is said about hiring 50,000 cops on the beat; but looking at the text of the legislation, the cities and municipalities do not even have to use the money to hire more police officers. They can use it for any other municipal function, including welfare and education. So it is misdirected money. But finally, even if this bill does provide money and it is used for law enforcement, the money will run out in 3 years.”