On the recordApril 19, 2012
Today I rise to recognize the White House's first-ever Rotary Day. Tomorrow, Americans from Rotary Clubs across the Nation will be honored as champions of change in their communities. Many of us in this House frequent Rotary Clubs throughout our districts. I'm always pleased to meet with constituents so committed to honest discussion, civic engagement, and the betterment of our community. Last week, at a meeting of a Rotary Club in Coral Springs, Florida, I was reminded of something I would like to share with you today. It's called the Four-Way Test. These principles guide Rotary members in their daily lives, and they read as follows: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Madam Speaker, Washington has been paralyzed by partisan politics and a disappointing level of discourse. If we could just approach our Nation's problems a bit more like the Rotary Club's Four-Way Test, we would all be better off. After all, at a time of great challenges facing our Nation, the American people deserve no less than a Congress that operates with honesty, builds bipartisanship, and bases decisions on whether or not they will be beneficial to all our citizens. Enjoy your visit to the White House tomorrow for Rotary Day. I hope the Rotary's Four-Way Test visits this U.S. Congress very soon. ____________________
