Newt Gingrich: “let me say first of all that I want to thank the Speaker for the way in which he briefed the House and briefed the…”

“let me say first of all that I want to thank the Speaker for the way in which he briefed the House and briefed the country today. I think it is an important part of this institution to remind people how human it is. I think every heart here goes out to Chairman Natcher, and I appreciate very much the Speaker's bringing it to our attention. I just want to say on behalf of Mr. Michel and the Republican leadership that we join with what the Speaker said and that we want Mr. Natcher to know that across this House and, I think, frankly, this land, as people in recent weeks have watched the courage and the commitment of Mr. Natcher, that the people are praying for him and care about him and that all of us look forward very fondly to the day when he can come back and join us. And I thank the Speaker for bringing that to our attention.”