Veterans Benefits Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOYER. At the outset, I know that I join the majority leader in expressing our gratitude to the Capitol Police.

Mr. Speaker, all too often we take for granted the folks who are prepared to put their own lives and safety at risk to save others from harm's way, not only those of us who work on Capitol Hill, but those who visit their Capitol. So I know that round of applause was heartfelt and deeply meant, and we thank them.

I yield to the majority leader before I ask him a question on the schedule.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding, and I concur with his thanks to the Capitol Police.

As well, each and every day, all of us benefit from their dedication and commitment to our safety, the people who visit this Capitol and its surroundings to their safety, and I know all of us want to extend that thanks just to let them know we really appreciate them.

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker--and I know, again, as did the majority leader--Mr. Sanford Bishop, himself, gave such a tribute to the Capitol Police at the beginning of the last bill; but also we want to thank the Sergeant at Arms, Paul Irving, and all of those who work with the Sergeant at Arms.

Mr. Speaker, I know he may want to say a word on that as well, but I will yield to him now for the purposes of informing the Members of the majority leader's view of the schedule for the days to come.

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman.

As well, on behalf of my colleagues on the majority's side of the aisle, I want to express our thanks to Paul Irving, the Sergeant at Arms Office and the entire team that he heads up in this Capitol for their tireless dedication to our safety and well-being, to our families' safety and well-being. Each and every one of us has been affected and touched by some threat or some risk at some time. Again, I want to express that gratitude to him and his team.

Mr. Speaker, as to the gentleman's request about information on the schedule, we did put out an email indicating that we are going to go into morning-hour tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, and legislative business starts at noon. We will also be making an announcement as to the weekend schedule and what we can expect for votes over the weekend.

Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman for that information.

The gentleman, does he know how likely it is we will be in? Obviously, every Member has a schedule, and they are trying to deal with that and inform their staffs of that. I know it's very difficult for the leader. I've been there; I know how difficult it is to anticipate. I've heard some comments that Saturday is a probability but that, perhaps, Sunday is not.

Can the gentleman give any clarification on that?

Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, we will announce in the morning what to expect as far as votes for the weekend.

Mr. HOYER. I yield back the balance of my time.

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