Tom Price: “I rise to oppose this remarkable rule, this martial-law rule. The new majority is becoming much more creative with their…”

“I rise to oppose this remarkable rule, this martial-law rule. The new majority is becoming much more creative with their rule writing, and frankly it would be humorous if it weren't so serious. At the beginning of this Congress, this new majority promised us a fair and an open process, but again the majority has failed to live up to that promise. Speaker Pelosi said, 'Because the debate has been limited and Americans' voices silenced by this restrictive rule, I urge my colleagues to vote against the rule.' That's what she said before the election last year. Well, I agree with the Speaker, we ought to vote against this restrictive rule. Chairman Louise Slaughter of the Rules Committee said before, 'If we want to foster democracy in this body, we should take the time and the thoughtfulness to debate all legislation under an open rule. An open process should be the norm and not the exception.' Well, I agree, Mr. Speaker. Now, is that a broken promise, or is it political expediency? Democrat Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel said before the election, 'Let's have an up-or-down vote. Don't be scared. Don't hide behind some little rule. Come on out here. Put it on the table, and let's have a vote.' Well, Mr. Speaker, I agree.”