[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2429-E2430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF CONFERENCE REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. HARRY TEAGUE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 2009

  Mr. TEAGUE. Madam Speaker, I am very disappointed that the leadership 
of this House has put us in the unfortunate position of voting on 
legislation that combines the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill 
and the Continuing Resolution.
  First, I am against this Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. I am 
against Congress increasing its own budget while small businesses 
around the country tighten their belts. Companies in my district are 
cutting hours and cutting costs. Workers are losing their jobs. But 
Congress is paying its staff $74 million more than last year. We have 
our priorities backward. I voted against the Legislative Branch 
Appropriations bill when it came up in the House, and I have no 
interest in supporting the conference report.
  Second, I oppose this corruption of the legislative process. My 
colleagues and I should

[[Page E2430]]

have the opportunity to say ``no'' to more money for our own offices 
without opposing needed increases for our veterans. This isn't the way 
to do business.
  Third, I regret that the first appropriations priority of this 
Congress is the legislative branch. While spending bills to support 
veterans, border security, and our men and women in uniform languish, 
we are sending a bill to increase our allowances to the President. Our 
veterans should be first in line, not us.
  Because of this failure, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
will, for the tenth time in 11 years, get its budget late. Late funding 
threatens the quality of care at the VA and hinders the VA's ability to 
recruit well-trained medical professionals, maintain facilities, and 
acquire new equipment.
  During testimony before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on 
July 27, 2007, former VA medical center directors stated that most VA 
budget cycles began via a continuing resolution. As a result, decisions 
were made on the basis of cost rather than on the basis of the highest 
quality. The expression, ``a day late, a dollar short,'' comes to mind.
  By passing advanced appropriations for veterans in this year's 
budget, we will make sure the VA isn't playing a waiting game with its 
budget next year. But that doesn't mean we can fall down on the job of 
supporting our nation's veterans this year. We should be passing 
legislation to support our veterans, not this.

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