Say what? The quotable news week: May 8-14

ATLANTA – Here is a rundown of the week’s events as told by the people who made the news:

“This mission is a great opportunity to develop the relationships needed to help these companies understand how Georgia can fulfill their needs, whether it’s for expansion or a new location. Competition for business is stiff. Looking at what other parts of the world are doing and learning from their best practices will help us hone our competitive edge and keep jobs flowing to Georgia.”

— Nathan Deal on his on business mission to Europe

“The many brave men and women buried at Arlington National Cemetery dedicated their lives to serving our country. They’ve earned our undying gratitude and respect, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that they continue to receive that respect after they have passed on.  I appreciate receiving an update on this situation, and I’ll continue working to see that these wrongs are corrected and never occur again.  Our deceased service members and their families deserve better.”

— U.S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., on his visit to Arlington National Cemetery to receive an update on internment concerns

“To control spending, lower the debt, and move our government toward a balanced budget, I believe we must put the federal government in a box.  This bill calls for that box of spending to shrink to 18 percent of GDP by 2016 and maintain that level permanently.  Lawmakers will continue to set spending levels and determine what the nation’s priorities are, but must do so within the strict boundary this bill sets.  Should Congress run wild and spend above the prescribed limit, then funding will automatically be sequestered, or cut, across the board to bring the spending level back in line.”

— U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., on new legislation To Cap Total Federal Spending At 18 percent Of GDP

Editor’s note: Unless otherwise noted, these quotes are compiled from news releases or official statements.