Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise to strongly oppose the Roskam amendment which would force a Federal ban on the territories without our consent. I am sure Congressman Roskam would not want an amendment forced on his constituents without his consent or input. All five members from the territories oppose this amendment, as cockfighting is a culturally significant practice in many of our islands. As importantly, this amendment dictates to the territories without any opportunity for our constituents or their elected representatives to have any say. Guam and other territories have enacted local laws to regulate cockfighting. Congress should not force this on more than 4 million Americans. Are you aware we are denied the right of a vote against this amendment on this House floor? So many issues affecting the territories require Congress' attention: disaster recovery, poverty, healthcare, infrastructure, education, and equal voting rights on this floor. That is what we should be thinking about, and the House should be spending more time addressing these priorities. I was not consulted on this matter, and neither were any of the other representatives from the territories. This is not fair, Mr. Chairman. This is not fair. Yes, I agree. We should all be treated equally. Then why aren't the territories allowed to come down on the floor and to vote for final passage? That is the question I want to ask you. Let's be fair all the way. Mr.…”