On the recordJanuary 5, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the resolution. Mr. Speaker, the Republican rules package makes this body less transparent and less responsive to the American people. By obligating the Delegates to take public stands, our limited vote showed our constituents where we stood on important issues. Our vote also helped ensure legislation considered by the House took our constituents into account. When an amendment came forward last Congress regarding the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo into the U.S., the territories were initially excluded from the prohibition. Our vote compelled the House to address our concerns. This is precisely how representative democracy is meant to work.
