Political Quotes

“Again, I do want to point out, in breaking with custom, there were many other Democrats who wanted to discuss this bill; but, as we speak, the Democratic Caucus is having elections for the vice chair position. While we were on the floor, we had elections for the whip position and the assistant leader position, both of which I was unable to participate in because, of course, I had to conduct the business of the Nation. But, again, I would hope that both parties are respectful of the scheduling requirements that are incumbent upon being a member of one of the two major parties of this body. In the past, we have always been able to work in when Republican Conference has a retreat or a reorganization meeting. I think that is important to this body because, while, of course, as Americans and Representatives we have responsibilities to the institution of Congress, as elected officials of the Democratic or Republican Party, we do have a responsibility to select our leaders and establish our rules. I don't think that the amount of time that either party spends doing that is unreasonable, but I think that it is very important that both parties and leadership of this body, the Speaker and the majority leader, are respectful of that while, of course, understanding we have important people's business to conduct. There were, of course, many other options.…”