Political Quotes

“I hope that someday my Republican counterparts will be clear about why my amendment was not made in order, and I also hope that they will provide greater explanation as to why we were promised an open rule this year but have anything but that today. In fact, Mr. Speaker, my friend, Mr. Bishop, voted for this amendment in the last Congress, and I want to thank him, but I can't imagine how he could have had such a change of heart in such a short time. I rise in strong opposition to this rule. This rule does not afford the people of Guam with an opportunity to make their case about the matter of Guam war claims before this House. All I want, and all we want, is a vote, Mr. Speaker. In fact, I do not understand why my Republican colleagues are so concerned about allowing my amendment for a vote on the floor, as is regular order. Guam war claims have passed this House five times--I have to repeat that, five times--and each time with overwhelming bipartisan support. The resolution of Guam war claims is so critical to maintaining support for the military buildup on Guam. The people of Guam are going to bear the brunt of the significant impacts because of this realignment of military forces, and it is only right to bring war claims to a conclusion. This is what I hear from my constituents every day. We reached a compromise with the Senate on this matter last year, having both Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain supporting the provision.…”