Alan Simpson: “I thank the chairman. It should be noted also, Mr. Speaker, that this is the last time we expect to see you presiding…”

“I thank the chairman. It should be noted also, Mr. Speaker, that this is the last time we expect to see you presiding before you retire also. You have done a marvelous job, and thank you for your service to this institution. I hope this vote doesn't go on for 3 hours and 45 minutes, but if there is anybody that can handle that, I am certain you have that experience. I am pleased that after months of work, the committee has been able to bring this package together before the full House. I would like to thank my ranking member, Ms. Kaptur, for her close collaboration throughout the entire process of putting together the Energy and Water sections of the omnibus. I would also like to thank the hard work of our Senate counterparts, Senator Feinstein and Senator Alexander, for their hard work in bringing this package together. Now, I want to be clear: I didn't get everything I wanted in this bill; none of us did. But we have worked hard to ensure that the bill clearly reflects the will of the American people. The bill makes critical investments and makes important policy changes that we will continue to build on in coming years. For instance, I am pleased with how strongly it invests in our national defense and water infrastructure. Weapons activities receives the largest increase in this bill, $387 million over last year. Within this level is full funding for the critical warheads such as the B-61 and the long-range standoff.…”