Pete Stark: “I had intended to speak later today on an issue of professionalism in the House of Representatives. It has seemed to…”

“I had intended to speak later today on an issue of professionalism in the House of Representatives. It has seemed to have departed in 1994. The House is now, unfortunately, being run by amateurs who have really no concept of what legislation does in its far-reaching effects. A perfectly good example is this bill before us. While I happen to differ with the distinguished gentlewoman about the best way to support education, I respect her right to her opinions as to what will increase benefits to our children. The fact is that the gentlewoman's leadership has got this place so convoluted that her distinguished efforts today will not make any difference. My chairman of my subcommittee on which I serve, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), recently referred to a lot of Republican legislation as asinine. He was not just whistling Dixie. I want to suggest to the gentlewoman that a little later today, the gentlewoman is going to vote for a bill which will absolutely negate this bill that she is now proposing. Which does the gentlewoman want to do? Would she like to help parents with their savings account, as she so eloquently purports to do? Then I propose that the gentlewoman would join me in opposing the bill that her party will bring to the floor today, which will absolutely suspend the entire income tax system in 2002 and, therefore, make her bill useless, meaningless.”