What they said. What they meant.

“I want the disaster relief bill to include my state's wildfires. The wildfires in Texas were very bad. Many homes and businesses were destroyed. The government should give tax relief to the people affected by the wildfires. The cost is small, and the House of Representatives will pass it. If my colleagues don't agree, nothing will pass. That would be bad. I want my amendment to be considered and passed. I want Texans to receive the same treatment as other wildfire victims. I want common sense to prevail.”

“The government wants to pass a disaster relief bill. The bill helps people in some states but leaves out one state. The government should change the bill to be fair to all states. The bill will pass if they include all states. The bill will fail if they don't. The victims of all states will get no help. That's a bad outcome. The government should be fair.”

“I rise to support the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act. I helped lead this bipartisan bill to provide tax relief to Americans affected by natural disasters. When families lose everything, they shouldn't have to worry about a rising tax bill. This bill gives certainty of necessary tax relief to victims so they can focus on getting back on track and not worry about the IRS. It helps families affected by all natural disasters, including wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes. It is a good bill for the entire country. It passed the House unanimously. If we pass it today, it will become law. We shouldn't add extra worries when the worst happens. This bill will make it easier to rebuild the American dream when hardships strike. I will continue to work with my colleagues, including my friend from Texas, to get this bill across the finish line for every American. I yield.”