Conference Report on H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4818, CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005 -- (House of Representatives - November 20, 2004)
Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Pursuant to House Resolution 866, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 4818) making appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin for yielding me this time and in jest describing the remarks I wanted to make. I want to join him, I know he is a friend of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young). The two of them have worked together, despite their differences on some issues, in a very courteous and constructive way for this House.
Mr. Chairman, I want to convey to you not only my personal congratulations and appreciation for your very distinct leadership on this committee but that of all the House Democrats. As a former member of the Committee on Appropriations, I saw firsthand the fairness, the intelligence, and the humor that you brought to the chairmanship. Our Congress was greatly served by your leadership, by your demeanor, by your friendship to each and every Member, and by the respect that you gave us all on the committee. You were a model of bipartisanship where you could be, where it was possible to be, and I think you always gave us the opportunity for that bipartisanship.
I want to again congratulate you, wish you well in whatever the arrangement of chairs is on the Republican side, and to say not only to you but to Mrs. Young, thank you for the attention you have paid to our men and women in uniform, to our troops in battle and when they come back. Again, congratulations. Thank you, my friend, Mr. Young.
I hope that bought you enough time. I have plenty more to say about you.
I will just make one comparison. When Mr. Livingston came in as the Chair of the Committee on Appropriations, my colleagues on the committee will remember he brought, some would call it a machete, but I think it was called something else in Louisiana, and he was swinging this blade around, and that was how we started the term. It was humorous to some, frightening to others, a mystery to most.
In any event, when Mr. Young came, it was a much less menacing beginning and a much more fruitful, I think, opportunity for us all to work together. No offense to Mr. Livingston, but your approach and friendship was much more inviting. So, again, Mr. Young, thank you so much for your service and for your leadership. We are all in your debt.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT