Bobby Rush actually said...

"Asthma is a very, very--high incidents of asthma and asthma-related illnesses in my district, and so I want you to know, I empathize with and I share your concern."

"I just think that you should have an opportunity to respond to those, I think, pretty unfair characterizations of you and your motivations and your understanding of this issue."

"I am going to offer you an opportunity, either verbally on the record now, to address the charges or you--in writing in the future."

"I can't see the rhyme or the reason that this committee, this subcommittee never, ever had a hearing on the public health implications of nullifying these rules before passing the bill."