Xavier Becerra: “If I had in my hand today an amendment to try to preserve for us the right to ban the gifts from lobbyists, I would not…”

“If I had in my hand today an amendment to try to preserve for us the right to ban the gifts from lobbyists, I would not be able to do that right now. So let me quote to you some words that I think are most eloquently stated, back in May 25, 1993, ``With closed rules, voices all across America are silenced. Republicans want the people to have choices, and that can only be done by having open rules.'' Those very eloquent words were uttered by our new Speaker, Mr. Newt Gingrich. I would urge all of my colleagues in this House to recognize the words uttered by our new Speaker, that we should have open rules. This is a closed rule, it is not a good way to start this first year of this new Congress.”