Political Quotes

“9 months ago the Speaker said, ``Now is the time for action'' on real lobbying and ethics reform. At the same time, the current majority leader said we must act ``because of a growing perception that the United States Congress is for sale.'' And yet here we are today discussing legislation that will do nothing to prevent the abuses that have occurred on the Republican Congress' watch by both parties and both parties' Members. In short, business as usual continues here in the people's House. When Members of Congress make millions from land deals tied to earmarks, you know something is wrong in the people's House. When Members' spouses are paid six-figure salaries for ``no-show'' lobbying jobs, you know something is wrong in the people's House. When a mid- level staffer gets a $2 million buyout from a lobbying firm only to have the revolving door return him to his old job on the committee, you know something is wrong in the people's House. And this bill simply tells all the current players that the House remains open for business. Business as usual continues. When the Speaker's gavel comes down, it is intended to open the people's House, not the auction house. The fact is we have an institutional problem requiring an institutional solution. To that end Representatives Van Hollen, Doggett, Delahunt, Bean, Barrow, and I introduced real earmark reform legislation yesterday to eliminate the abuses.…”