Maxwell Frost: “Mr. Speaker, Democrats have no objection to this rule, which will allow the consideration of three bills under…”

“Mr. Speaker, Democrats have no objection to this rule, which will allow the consideration of three bills under suspension today. Those bills include a concurrent resolution honoring the 21 members of the Virginia National Guard who were killed in a plane crash on March 3. I know firsthand how important the National Guard is to our national defense, and the tragic and untimely death of these fine Americans is tribute to the dedication and selfless service so many Americans make each year through their service in the National Guard. The rule also permits the consideration of measures designed to promote organ donation, something Democrats on the Committee on Rules know about through the brave testimony of our ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley). However, Mr. Speaker, I must take a moment to express our grave concerns about what may happen in the Committee on Rules some time later today. I am referring to the rule the Committee on Rules may report on the tax bill and how whether the majority will deny Democrats of all stripes the opportunity to offer alternatives to the Republican tax bill.”