Thomas M. Barrett: “I think I have a better understanding now why the Republicans did not want to have the line-item veto apply this year.…”

“I think I have a better understanding now why the Republicans did not want to have the line-item veto apply this year. It was this type of provision, this type of provision that allows the State of Louisiana and the State of New Hampshire to benefit at the expenses of taxpayers throughout this country. It should not be in this bill, it should never have been put in this bill, and it is a disgrace that we have this in a bill at a time when we are trying to work together to bridge the gap between the two sides of this House. I am ashamed that we have this in this bill, and I am sorry it is here. This was a good faith attempt by Members on our side of the aisle to reach a compromise.”