Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I've been putting off these remarks for a few weeks now. The truth is I've been reluctant to deliver my final speech on the House floor. This has been my home away from home for the past dozen years, and it's tough to say good-bye to friends and colleagues. When I'm asked what I enjoy most about this place, I respond without hesitation: it's the give and take on the House floor. To be sure, much of what is said here is scripted with Members of both parties playing their designated role. Too often, talking points serve as literary guardrails. But every so often, genuine debate breaks out. Spontaneous points are made, Members are persuaded, and minds are changed. This frequently happens late at night when Members are less concerned about whether folks are watching at home. I wish more people would tune in during such nonscripted discussions. It represents Congress at its best. My first 6 years here were spent in the majority, followed by 4 years in the minority, then 2 years again in the majority. {time} 2110 Having experienced both, I can tell you that I prefer the majority. But either party holding the reins of power should recognize that their grasp is tenuous, and that's a good thing. Both parties benefit by taking turns in the wilderness every now and then. Over the past 12 years I've offered hundreds of amendments, privileged resolutions, and points of order in this Chamber. These offerings, most of which were to curb spending, were not always successful.…”