Alcee Hastings: “When I came to this body, I had no idea that I would have the privilege to serve on the Committee on Rules. When I was…”

“When I came to this body, I had no idea that I would have the privilege to serve on the Committee on Rules. When I was given that opportunity, it became the proudest moment in my limited congressional career. Last night, before we left here, I became rather distressed that the majority does not see fit to grant the minority privileges that the minority at another point in time argued that they should have, I remember very distinctly. I have great respect for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Certainly, the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations is a friend of mine, and I have immense respect for him, his fairness and his ability. But the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) is not the person that is in control of the situation with reference to the rule. The chairman of the Committee on Rules also is a friend of mine, and I am not certain that he is in control of what is transpiring with reference to the rule. What is happening here is we are giving back-room deals new meaning.”