Jerry Lewis: “Members, I believe that the House knows me to be largely a person who does not involve himself in an overt way in pure…”

“Members, I believe that the House knows me to be largely a person who does not involve himself in an overt way in pure partisan politics. I must say that I share with the public their concern about ofttimes the debate around here being dominated by the extreme voices, the shrill voices, of partisanship. But today we have on the House floor, one more time, the natural resources product dealing with my desert communities. Mr. Speaker, if indeed there is a reflection of partisan rhetoric and extreme, it is the way the four Members of the House who represent the desert communities, who have been elected to represent it, have been treated by this committee. In my years of public service I have never seen such arbitrary action. It brings forth this reminder, Lord Acton's quote; that is, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." In this case, this committee reflects the problem of one party dominating the House for over 50 years. Mr. Speaker, I hope the public will look with interest as we go forward with this debate today.”