Porter Goss: “Obviously, Mr. Speaker, I am here rising in support of this rule. I have listened very closely to what the distinguished…”

“Obviously, Mr. Speaker, I am here rising in support of this rule. I have listened very closely to what the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin has to say. This rule provides ample debate on all amendments and major issues in the bill that were pending as of yesterday. I realize that leaves a few out. But I want to make sure that Members are clear what has happened to this bill. Simply, this bill has been hijacked because of a series of unrelated issues and agendas. I think really the underlying question seems to be, who is in the majority in the House of Representatives. I think the majority is trying to operate under bipartisanship, but I do not think the majority is prepared to let the minority hijack the majority. The majority, in the great spirit of our former colleague, Mr. Natcher, and I should say bipartisan spirit, attempted to bring forward the fiscal year 1998 agriculture appropriations bill without a rule, actually letting Members offer amendments and conduct debate under the standing rules of the House.”