Political Quotes

“In order to qualify as a question of the privileges of the House under rule IX, the resolution must address ``the rights of the House collectively, its safety, dignity, and the integrity of its proceedings.'' The resolution I offer seeks to express the position of the House that the Republican proposal to address the unemployment crisis facing our Nation and the procedures used to bring it to the floor tarnish the dignity and integrity of the House proceedings and the integrity of the legislative process. All Members of the House of Representatives have a responsibility to protect Americans and our country from physical and economic harm, especially during times of national crisis. Yet, contrary to this mandate, the Republican proposal to address the unemployment crisis threatens to damage our national economy as well as the well-being of millions of Americans. By drastically cutting benefits--especially for employees and States hardest hit by unemployment--by 40 weeks and imposing punitive restrictions on access to benefits, the Republican proposal will almost certainly harm millions of Americans and our Nation's economic well- being. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would remind the gentleman from Illinois that argument must be confined as to whether or not the matter is privileged under rule IX, and may not address the substance of the resolution.”