Steve Womack: “Born from the people, the work of Congress is an integral part of our Nation. Or is it? Judging from the legislation…”

“Born from the people, the work of Congress is an integral part of our Nation. Or is it? Judging from the legislation that is before us right now, I am not so sure. But tracing back to the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War II, 9/11, and many others, the House's business has never ceased, even in the toughest times in our country, and it should not cease today. But instead of working safely, bringing back Members to the House, Speaker Pelosi has decided to pursue proxy voting. Senators are back at work. Our military is on point right now defending our country in all corners of the world. Doctors, nurses, grocery workers, truck drivers, delivery personnel, they are showing up every day. They are not shirking from their duty. Shouldn't the House lead by example? New House procedures might very well be necessary, but any change to the centuries-old rules that could fundamentally alter this institution should never be done without bipartisan support. And we are not seeing that. This proposal runs counter to the Constitution, and it marginalizes, in my strong opinion, Mr. Speaker, the lawmaking process. We need transparency, accountability, not procedures that further centralize the decision-making of our country into the hands of a select few. We must get back to regular order, and this is not the path back to regular order. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.…”