Phil Gingrey: “I rise today in outrage over reports that Speaker Pelosi is threatening to revoke committee assignments and earmarks for…”

“I rise today in outrage over reports that Speaker Pelosi is threatening to revoke committee assignments and earmarks for Democrats who don't support the Iraq supplemental bill on the floor this week. Talk about a culture of corruption. This is the lowest form of politics. But, sadly, while their strong-arming is audacious and unethical, it is not surprising. We know the Democratic leadership will go to extreme measures to garner votes for this bill, not only by tying troop funding to arbitrary deadlines for withdrawal, but by peppering it with so much pork, you would think our troops needed shrimp and avocados to beat the terrorists. Mr. Speaker, it is little wonder Democratic leaders are scared to let Members vote their conscience on this bill. After all, even the Los Angeles Times calls this 'the worst kind of congressional meddling in military strategy.' But arm-twisting and threats have no place in this people's House, and Americans have every right to be outraged with the current leadership.”