Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule change. Rather than taking time to implement a bipartisan plan to safely open this House and our work on the Hill, as suggested by the Republican leader, the House majority is taking the lazy way out. The U.S. Constitution and 200 years of precedent require a physical presence to establish a quorum to protect all Members' rights and the rights of the Americans who vote for these Members. If we pass this rule change today and make attendance optional, we are taking away the fundamental nature of our government of elected Members of the House representing our citizens. Since the first Congress, through it all--bad roads, bad weather, invasion, and the burning of this very Capitol, Civil War, and depression--Members have assembled to do the people's business. Our Founders intended that legislating be hard but fair. Our Founders compelled the people's representatives to assemble, to collaborate, to find a way forward. This rule will only make it harder to find that consensus during these times. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to reject this unnecessary change to the House rules. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr.…”